In Illinois, the ability to return beer is governed by the state's regulations, specifically Executive Order 2020-07. It's important to note that these regulations do not apply to returns from off-premises only retailers or for beer originally intended to be sold for off-premises consumption. This means that if you purchased beer from a store that only sells beer for off-premises consumption, you may not be able to return it.
However, if you purchased beer from a retailer that sells both for on-premises and off-premises consumption, you may be able to return it. The specific terms of the return, such as whether you can receive cash or credit, will be determined by an agreement between the distributors and retailers.
It's worth mentioning that the ability to return beer may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the policies of the retailer. It's always a good idea to check with the retailer directly to understand their return policy and any potential restrictions.
In my own experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have encountered situations where customers have wanted to return beer. In some cases, the retailer has been accommodating and allowed the return, providing either cash or credit towards future purchases. However, there have also been instances where the retailer has not accepted returns for various reasons, such as the beer being opened or consumed partially.
To summarize, while the ability to return beer in Illinois is governed by Executive Order 2020-07, it's important to understand that it may not apply to all retailers. It's best to check with the specific retailer to understand their return policy and any restrictions that may be in place.