Is it illegal to return alcohol to the store in California?

Question

I tried to return two un-opened bottles of alcohol (vodka and rum) to the grocery store where I bought them, with the receipt, 5 days after I bought them and was told by the manager that "You can't return alcohol". When I asked why, he said "State Law". I have googled this and can find no reference to a California State Law banning the return of alcohol to a store. Is it true?

So I looked it up on the agency website and it turns out that it is a law. It actually says "A consumer cannot overbuy for a party and then return any of the unused alcholic beverages". You can, however, return it if it is "unfit for human consumption". WHICH, I think, could be debatable depending on the brand. lol.

Answer 1

only if you barf at the sales associate in the store

Answer 2

If you had opened the bottles and tasted it, the grocery store probably would have taken it back and given you a 'voucher' to spend on a different alcoholic beverage or other store items. In fact, I don't know if there is a LAW against returning unopened alcoholic beverages, but there is a good reason for not doing so... there is a greater risk that the alcohol has been 'tampered with' or poisoned, and unopened alcohol can NOT be 'returned to the shelves' and re-sold for that reason. I realize that it would take a great deal of work to 'tamper with' a sealed bottle of alcohol like vodka or rum, but it CAN BE DONE ... and that is why you couldn't return the liquor.

Answer 3

Alcohol Return Policy

Answer 4

State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control document ABC-608, item 36 stipulates:
"...A consumer may also make an exchange or receive a refund on an item purchased in error if the unopened container is returned to the seller..."

Answer 5

I was told it's actually a federal law.

However, they could not give me the "citation" so I could look it up.

As far as them not being able to put it back on the store shelf, grocery stores cannot return any food item which you purchased and took out of the store back on the shelf when you return it.

This morning when I tried to return three bottles of alcohol and 1 gallon of OJ, they return the 1 gallon of OJ and put it in the trash as required and refused to return the three bottles of alcohol.

It's frustrating, when they have no policies posted stating they cannot return alcohol, and they are not able to show you the legal citation or legal code which requires them to not return It.

I don't want a store clerk interpreting the law for me, I'd much rather read it for my own self.

However, on Monday I will do a Westlaw search, find the citation and post it here for everyone's information.

Answer 6

I've never heard this before. You should ask a manager at another store that sells alcohol if it's illegal to return an unopened bottle or not.

Answer 7

Your best source is to call ANOTHER store and ask the manager. Say it's for a bet. Ask if unopened bottles of liquire in 'saleable' condition can be returned. If he says NO, ask if it's a store policy or state regulation.

Get the information from those in the know.

Answer 8

yes it is a state law that alcohol can not be returned to the store once u left with the item

Answer 9

It may be the store policy and the sales clerk told you it was a state law just to avoid an argument.

Answer 10

I have never heard of such a law, however it may be the store policy. Either way, a store is not obliged to provide you with a refund.

Answer 11

I would think it is not a law but a regulation.

Alcohol distribution is heavily regulated. Look into that at the appropriate Agency.