Returning Kegs

[I-dont]

I'm new to the large beer provisions, and now I have myself an empty keg. I wonder to myself though, "Self, do you have to return this keg where it was purchased?"

So can you folks help me and let me know if I can return a keg to a different store than it was purchased from? I don't want cash back for the deposit, I just want to trade it for a new keg! I'm sure that they must sell this beer at all the local beer stores.

Thanks,
Matty.

[newportstorm]

I'd assume it depends on your state laws. Some states now are pretty strict about "registering" a keg to keep track of it and the person buying it, should it show up at an underage party. Why don't you want your deposit back? Keep in mind the brewery whose beer was in that keg paid good $$ for that keg and would probably like it back - returning it to the store where purchased might be the easiest way to keep track of it.

Cheers!

[I-dont]

Oh its not that I don't want the value of the empty keg, I'll just be getting another one, so I don't need them to give me cash, I just wouldn't put a deposit on this next keg. You know, a sort-of trade. I'm in Masachusetts, and I don't know much about the specific liquor laws.

[newportstorm]

I understand the trade in, but if you return the keg to a different store, they've collected no deposit from you. Yes, they have a keg that may or may not have been purchased/obtained legally. If they have no record of the sale, I'm guessing they'd turn you away or sell you a new keg with the proper deposit.

MA does have a keg registration law. How long have you had this keg and how did you get it without providing name, address & other info to the retailer?

http://www.mass.gov/abcc/administration/reg2040907.htm

Your best bet is to just return the keg to where you got it and if they can't obtain another keg of something you want, find a local retailer that will. The internet is a great tool, but sometimes picking up the phone and calling is your best bet.

Cheers!

[buckrogers71]

Ok I am going throw my .02 in. I have returned 1/6's and 1/2's to places other than the store I bought it at. I dont know if I am breaking any laws, but I have done it. I dont know if it helps that the "new" place that I go to knows me, but I have done it several times.

The reason that I returned them to another store was b/c the store that I was going to was dragging their feet trying to get me what I wanted.

Oh and thats Jersey if that helps at:cool:

[I-dont]

Hey thanks to all for your input :D Basically, this keg was purchased half way across the state, and I would love it if I could just make a quick return at a closer store.

[Bard]

The only issue I've had was when I bought beer from a micro brewery. They didn't use anyone else's kegs so I had to put down a new deposit for their keg at the time of purchase. Best bet is to ask when you call to place your order.

[toneyc]

Halfway across the state? This is Massachusetts we're talking about? 183 miles wide?

:D
Toney.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by toneyc
Halfway across the state? This is Massachusetts we're talking about? 183 miles wide?

:D
Toney.

Yup. But if you're north of Boston and you need to get south of Boston....good luck. Staight roads were not invented in New England. We always seem to take the scenic route.

[I-dont]

Yeah. Silly New England. Anyway, thanks. I'm actually taking a trip out there soon (unexpectedly) at the end of the month. Is there a certain time period that I have to return a keg in? Like is it within a couple of months after I've bought it? I'm new at this, but when I finally get my keggerator perfectly tweaked, I'll throw up some photos to share! YAAY!

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by I-dont
YAAY!

YAAY indeed

Just be careful otis doesn't read that or disavow Red Stripe before he sees this thread

[Mill Rat]

Generally, if you return a keg to store that carries the brand that was in it before you emptied it, you're not ripping off the brewery, even if the tight-fisted local store won't give you back the deposit (take your future commerce elsewhere so you won't continue to reward the a------s for their cheap--s ways). Breweries do pay a substantial sum for their kegs, so please do return them to a retail outfit that will repatriate the empties to the proper owners. This is especially important for the microbrews.