# Return to a liquor store because you can't stand the taste? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 23, 2013, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717 "2013-06-23T18:52:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/21 "2013-06-23T20:38:39Z")
The liquor stores here do not take returns of opened merchandise. Next time buy a smaller bottle. How much money are we talking about anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/22 "2013-06-23T20:51:18Z")
> [@Ruken](#): > > Next time buy a smaller bottle. How much money are we talking about anyway? He said $15. ---
**Author:** ![ombre12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/d26b3c/32.png) [@ombre12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ombre12)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/23 "2013-06-23T20:53:41Z")
$14.95. I’d have no problem eating (or in this case drinking) the mistake. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/24 "2013-06-23T21:18:46Z")
All the stores I shop in have a notice that all liquor sales are final. No exchanges no refunds. My opinion is you don’t like you take the loss. The retailer shouldn’t take a hit for your mistake. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/25 "2013-06-23T21:31:49Z")
She has no basis to “demand” a refund, but I would absolutely take it back to the store and in a modest, even sheepish tone say, “I bought this because I thought I would like it, but I don’t. Can I possibly return it for a refund? If not, I completely understand.” If the guy turns her down, she can just say, “That’s perfectly okay. I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask.” Big smile and she’s on her way. No harm, no foul. No one is going to laugh at her, and anyone who does is a complete idiot whose opinion is worthless. She has nothing to lose. ETA. " The retailer shouldn’t take a hit for your mistake." The retailer is a Big Boy and perfectly capable of making this judgment call on his own. ---
**Author:** ![Tracijo67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc348/32.png) [@Tracijo67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tracijo67)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/26 "2013-06-23T21:52:22Z")
Pineapple or other tropical flavored Jello shots to bring to the next party. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/27 "2013-06-23T21:55:00Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > ETA. " The retailer shouldn’t take a hit for your mistake." > > The retailer is a Big Boy and perfectly capable of making this judgment call on his own. No, the manufacturer is the real “Big Boy” in this case. I would sue them not only for the cost of the product but also another 100 grand or so for inconvenience and emotional distress caused by this whole ordeal. It is the American way. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/28 "2013-06-23T22:09:04Z")
While it may or may not be strictly adheared to or enforced, t is illegal to return alcohol under federal law and most state laws. This includes unopened containers. The reason for this has to do with licensing regulations. When you return liquor for a refund or even just for an exchange, you are legally transferring alcoholic beverages. This would be an unlicensed transfer on the part of the customer returning the booze. One would think the Feds/states would write certain exceptions into the regualtions, but so far they haven’t. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2013, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/29 "2013-06-23T23:29:19Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Just went and looked at the two bottles in the cupboard, and you’re right. Shows how much booze I’ve bought in the past 20 years. 😛 I had to check as well… I’ll be damned! No tax seal! When did that happen?! ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/30 "2013-06-24T00:09:42Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > I had to check as well… > I’ll be damned! No tax seal! When did that happen?! 1985 ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/31 "2013-06-24T00:26:34Z")
Why not sell it to some neighborhood kids? Newer drinkers like that fruity stuff and I bet you could even make a small profit. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/32 "2013-06-24T00:42:49Z")
I’m pretty sure 1.75 liters of spit normally runs more than $15.00. What on Earth made you expect this was going to taste like anything other than medicinal swill? ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/33 "2013-06-24T01:23:43Z")
> [@Harmonious\_Discord](#): > > All the stores I shop in have a notice that all liquor sales are final. No exchanges no refunds. My opinion is you don’t like you take the loss. The retailer shouldn’t take a hit for your mistake. The other day I bought a bottle of coconut rum inside the little liquor enclave at my grocery store. Then I left the enclave and found the same bottle of rum on a shelf outside for like $2 less (I didn’t understand it, either), as well as some cheaper bottles I’d be just as happy with. So I tried to go back in to the enclave to exchange the rum I’d just bought with the exact same cheaper rum and the woman working the counter said no way. And pointed to the sign. So at least in Ohio, there’s no exchanges or refunds - not even if you just bought it and never left the store! ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/34 "2013-06-24T01:42:11Z")
Unless they know who you are as a customer they are going to laugh at you. If liquor stores took back open bottles every drunk would be trying to bring back bottles of vodka filled with water. My solution to alcohols I don’t like is to hand them off to friends that are less discriminating. Also if you are only looking to try a specific alcohols you get nips instead of full bottles. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/35 "2013-06-24T02:04:22Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > So I tried to go back in to the enclave to exchange the rum I’d just bought with the exact same cheaper rum and the woman working the counter said no way. And pointed to the sign. Remember it’s the law and stores that sell liquor are occasionally tested for various things by both the state and local officials. Employees have no way of knowing whether you’re a compliance agent or if a compliance agent is in the store watching. As much as a business hates having disgruntled customers it’s better than getting hammered with violations that come with huge fines, loss of license, and more scrutiny and compliance testing in the future. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/36 "2013-06-24T02:46:49Z")
If you buy for an event every local store will take it back (say, for a wedding or whatever) if it isn’t opened. Is that not legal? ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/37 "2013-06-24T03:05:25Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > If you buy for an event every local store will take it back (say, for a wedding or whatever) if it isn’t opened. Is that not legal? I can’t speak for every state, but in WI it wouldn’t be if it were just dealing with a customer & a retailer. Remember that many events include caterers who have liquor licenses. A return would be a transaction between 2 licensees, thus legal. ---
**Author:** ![Alley\_Dweller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alley_dweller/32/430_2.png) [@Alley\_Dweller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alley_Dweller)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/38 "2013-06-24T03:31:59Z")
[Albany Times Union](http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping/22378/no-law-prohibiting-return-of-unopened-booze/): > [@](#): > > However, [State Liquor Authority spokesman Bill] Crowley says, in recent years the SLA has changed its interpretation and sees nothing wrong with a customer returning unopened packages. “We’re leaving it up to (retailers),” Crowley says. [Viscount Wines & Liquor, New York](http://www.viscountwines.com/v_returnpolicy.html): > [@](#): > > Viscount will accept returns on unopened merchandise purchased within 30 days of the date of return for exchange or store credit as long as: > > The customer provides proof of purchase of the product at Viscount. > > The merchandise remains saleable by having been stored in such a way as to ensure that the product and the packaging have not been damaged in any way. [Vinny’s Beverage Depot, Chicago](http://www.binnys.com/partyplanning): > [@](#): > > ``` > Receive 100% Refund on Unopened Items > > ``` [Sunset Corners Fine Wine & Spirits, Miami FL](http://www.sunsetcorners.com/returns.htm): > [@](#): > > Within 30 Days of original purchase, you can return any product purchased at Sunset Corners Fine Wine and Spirits for a full refund, provided: > > 1. The product is unopened; > > 2. In saleable condition and; > > 3. an official Sunset Corners Fine Wine and Spirits receipt for the product(s) is presented. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/39 "2013-06-24T03:45:23Z")
> [@](#): > > a strict interpretation of SLA law led the agency to decide that a return or exchange was technically a “sale” — because the customer was getting cash or credit — and since the customer wasn’t a licensed vendor, it was an illegal sale. Which as I said before is the law in pretty much every state > [@](#): > > However, [State Liquor Authority spokesman Bill] Crowley says, in recent years the SLA has changed its interpretation and sees nothing wrong with a customer returning unopened packages. “We’re leaving it up to (retailers),” Crowley says. Which, as I posted earlier, sounds reasonable to me. I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for other states to follow, though. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2013, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717/40 "2013-06-24T03:47:59Z")
Explain something: I can understand a store having a no refunds/exchanges policy due to law. But why would they LAUGH at you?? Or is that just a figure of speech? If the store ever wants my business again, including my huge holiday parties and the upcoming weddings of my four daughters, they’d better never laugh at a simple request, even if they can’t fulfill it. Because not only will I never be back, I will tell the story over and over and even post it on a board that has thousands of members. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-a-liquor-store-because-you-cant-stand-the-taste/661717.md?page=3)