Bengaluru liquor store ordered to pay compensation over carry bag charge
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled that charging for a branded bag constitutes an unfair trade practice.
A consumer commission in Bengaluru has ruled against a liquor store for charging a customer Rs 20 for a carry bag featuring the shop's name and logo. According to The Times of India, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bangalore (Urban) found the establishment, Tonique, guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
The dispute began on June 3, 2025, when Theerthesh BS, a 33-year-old resident of Bagalagunte, purchased beverages worth Rs 2,170 from the Kasturba Road store. Theerthesh BS requested a bag to safely transport the fragile bottles, but the store charged a separate Rs 20 fee for a bag containing its own branding and promotional content.
The customer objected to the charge for a bag used for the store's own advertising, but staff refused his request. He eventually paid the amount to ensure the safe transport of the bottles and filed a complaint on June 17.
The store's counsel stated that customers are informed of the charges, which are displayed on boards at all outlets. However, the commission noted that the seller should anticipate that customers buying beverage bottles will require a bag for transport.
The commission, consisting of president Ramachandra MS and members Nandini H Kumbhar and Savitha Airani, applied the principle of 'Caveat Venditor'. It also noted that the store's failure to appear during the proceedings was an admission of the allegations.
On October 14, the commission directed Tonique to refund the Rs 20, pay Rs 5,000 in compensation for deficiency in service, and pay Rs 3,000 for litigation costs.