Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau said it will permit returns of alcoholic beverages that were originally purchased for events that have been canceled due to Coronavirus. As TTB stated: “Given the unexpected and widespread nature of the concerns involving COVID-19, TTB will not consider returns of alcohol beverage products purchased to sell during such canceled events to violate federal consignment sales rules provided the products were not initially purchased or sold with the privilege of return.”
Federal regulations typically prohibit consignment sales, which they interpret broadly to include the sale or purchase of alcohol beverage products with the privilege of return. (27 CFR 11.21).Typically, returns for ordinary and usual commercial reasons are not permitted, but returns because a product is overstocked or slow-moving does not constitute a return for ordinary and commercial reasons and are prohibited. (27 CFR 11.45.)
Acknowledging that wholesalers and retailers likely had already purchased products for various events such as festivals, concerts and sporting events that have seen widespread cancellations in recent days, TTB has taken the position that returns resulting from these cancellations would be permitted.
Local officials and event organizers have begun announcing cancellations of widely-attended events, such as parades, festivals, fairs, concerts, and sporting events based on concerns about COVID-19. These announcements may be made after wholesalers and retailers purchased large quantities of products to sell during the events.
Note: Be sure to check your state law as to whether they will permit returns.