Bengaluru consumer court fines liquor retailer Tonique Rs 1L for charging branded carry bag fee

A Bengaluru consumer court has imposed a penalty of ₹1 lakh on liquor retailer Tonique for engaging in an unfair trade practice by charging a customer for a carry bag displaying the store’s branding.

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The Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission also directed the retailer to pay ₹5,000 as compensation to the affected customer and refund the ₹14.29 charged for the bag.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Praveen B., a 31-year-old resident of St Thomas Town, who purchased liquor worth ₹1,585 on November 23, 2023. He was charged separately for a carry bag printed with the store’s logo and outlet details. Praveen argued that this constituted a deficiency in service and cited previous rulings stating that businesses should not charge customers for branded packaging, which effectively serves as advertising.

Tonique defended its action by stating that the customer had voluntarily opted for the bag and was informed about the additional cost. The retailer further claimed that alternative options were available, including carrying the items without a bag or returning later with one from home.

However, the Commission dismissed these arguments, labelling the store’s conduct as “unfair and unprofessional.” It ruled that charging for a bag carrying promotional content is exploitative and contravenes consumer rights.

The ₹1 lakh penalty will be deposited into the Consumer Welfare Fund as directed by the Commission.