CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We’ve all returned merchandise before, but what happens if you try to return opened alcohol, and the retailer refuses to take it back? Is that legal in North Carolina?
WCNC Charlotte viewer Claude M said he bought a box of wine at BJ’s, a warehouse store. He said the wine had gone bad, and he tried to return it but was told it was against the law in North Carolina for the retailer to take back the bad wine.
THE QUESTION
Is there a law in North Carolina that says you can’t return alcohol that has gone bad?
THE ANSWER
No, it is not against the law in North Carolina for retailers to take back alcohol that has gone bad. but local businesses have their own policies -- so it’s best to check with the store before making any returns.
THE SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
The North Carolina ABC Commission said there is no law in North Carolina that prohibits a customer from returning alcohol, whether it’s been opened or not.
Citing the North Carolina Administrative Code, the North Carolina ABC Commission said retailers and industry members are restricted from making returns unless the alcohol has spoiled or the container or label has been damaged.
We’re told if a customer wants to return a product back to the store, it’s up to the local business whether to accept that return.
WCNC Charlotte reached out to BJ’s for a response, but its reply didn’t address the question here, so WCNC Charlotte went to the returns policy section of BJ's website. There, BJ's said it cannot accept returns of lottery tickets, cigarettes, tobacco products, and alcohol, where restricted by state law. But since there is no law in North Carolina restricting these returns, that suggests BJ’s should allow alcohol returns.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.