LCBO Return / Refund / Exchange Policies

Synopsis

Receipts are normally required and return within 14 days of purchase, but when the product is defective these conditions are waived (the majority of the product should remain in the bottle in order to reduce the possibility of a return being rejected).

Policy Statement

“RETURNING PRODUCT TO THE LCBO

What is the return policy of the LCBO?

All regular sale Customers may return any product that is in saleable condition (including Vintages products and beer purchased as a Regular or Tax Exempt Sale) to any LCBO store provided it is accompanied by original receipt within thirty (30) days of purchase. The Customer will be refunded in the applicable tender as used for the purchase, debit/cash purchases returned as cash, credit card purchases returned to original credit card, gift card purchases returned to a gift card.

All product returns will require the customer name, address and telephone number and a customer signature to acknowledge receipt of the refund, valid photo identification can be requested (but not recorded) to verify customers information. The LCBO Return Policy was last updated September 30, 2010.

What does saleable condition mean?

Also, the product must be in good condition (unopened, label intact, etc.). When making a return, bear in mind the length of time since the product was originally purchased. Some items such as wines and cream liquors deteriorate with age.

Do I need a receipt?

Yes. Valid proof of purchase must accompany all returns of saleable unopened product.

Will I get back what I originally paid for the product?

Due to currency and taxation fluctuations, prices of LCBO products do change. If the price changes between the time you purchased a product and the time you return it, you will receive the amount indicated on your receipt.

Can I return a delisted product?

When the LCBO decides to stop carrying a product, its price is decreased to enable the LCBO to clear remaining inventories of the product. All delisted products are final sale unless the product is defective. If you have purchased a defective delisted product, you may return it to the store for a full refund.

Is there a limit to the number of products I can return?

There is no limit to the number or value of products which may be returned at any given time as long as items are accompanied by original receipt within thirty (30) days of purchase.

What is the procedure for returning VINTAGES products?

Products recently purchased from VINTAGES stores or VINTAGES corners may be returned to any LCBO store for a full refund when accompanied by the receipt. VINTAGES returns must adhere to the same conditions as regular returns. However, due to the fragile nature of many VINTAGES products, the store manager may wish to consult with the VINTAGES Purchasing Department before approving the refund. VINTAGES continually changes its product list – a receipt enables the manager to determine quickly if the product is current.

How do I return a defective product?

The LCBO Quality Assurance Department is committed to providing the highest quality beverage alcohol products available. All products listed must be laboratory tested prior to appearing on store shelves. And it doesn’t stop there. Products are continually monitored by our lab even after they reach our stores. By bringing a problem to our attention, you are assisting the LCBO in maintaining these high standards.

If you feel you have purchased a defective product from the LCBO, you may return the product to any LCBO store for a full refund. No receipt is necessary in this situation. When a defective product is returned, the pertinent information is forwarded to the LCBO’s Quality Assurance Department. If the problem is serious and widespread, the department may order a product withdrawal across the province.

Return of a faulty product must indicate immediate discovery. Defective returns will not be accepted when the majority of product is absent from packaging.

Policy for products associated with causing illness

Occasionally a customer may feel a product was responsible for illness. In such a case, return the bottle and remaining contents to your local LCBO store as soon as possible. The store manager will take the appropriate action to ensure the problem is fully investigated and resolved. – Liquor Control Board of Ontario web site

Quick Facts

Time Limit

  14 days

Receipt Required

  None

Restocking Fee

  None

Refund / Exchange

  Refund or exchange at customer’s option

Original Packaging Required

  No

Probability of Success

  Medium

Conditions

  • Return of a faulty product must indicate immediate discovery
  • Defective returns will not be accepted when the majority of product is absent from packaging

Exceptions

  • Delisted products, unless defective

More Information

  1. Returning Product to the LCBO on the LCBO website