Can A Restaurant Require Patrons to Purchase Wine?

WINE TALK
1

Four of us were in a restaurant over the weekend. When we arrived we were told of a policy requiring us to buy two bottles. I went to their website on my phone and nothing mentions this policy. They said there was disclaimer on the reservation site (never saw this). I have never encountered this before, anywhere. So many issues came to mind: Is it legal, non-drinkers, MD restrictions, 2-tops, dislike of wine, etc…

I understand state by state laws vary, but how can a business get away with this?

Curious to know the communities thoughts.

2

strange policy, stranger still to not link to the restaurant or website for us to read the info, etc.

comedy clubs require 2 drinks.

more questions than answers right now.

3

Of course they can require it, it’s a private business. How long they’ll stay in business is another question…

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4

I have no desire to call out the restaurant (small family run). As I said, no policy whatsoever listed on their website. Also, they specifically told us upon arrival, the policy was two wine bottles. There is no btg, no beer or mixed drinks. No alternative was offered.

I understand clubs and bars having drink minimums. If at a bar, you’re likely their to drink alcohol. If a patron doesn’t want alcohol, clubs usually serve soft drinks.

5

dunno. You can argue its discriminatory, plenty of religious people dont want to drink.

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6

What if you don’t drink wine/alcohol? It becomes a pretty stupid/pointless rule if you don’t.
Did you bring your own wine (buy one for each bottle you bring), or is that a requirement regardless?
What if you’re dining alone? 2 bottles?
You and your wife? 2 bottles?
You and a minor, etc…
I suppose they can require it just like you can tell them to pound sand and go somewhere else.

7

Pretty sure that would be illegal in Ontario, or at least against AGCO regs, they are responsible for regulating responsible consumption.
Very surprised state regulators in US would not be similarly oriented.

Why doesn’t the restaurant go the simpler route of a cover charge?

8

If there is a two bottle requirement, are they also responsible for the patrons drunk driving lawsuits?

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9

Did you ask if you could pay in Bitcoin? You could have said, it your policy on paying!

10

I’d have a minor pay the bill then turn them in.

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11

Question - did you show up with your own wine to enjoy with dinner? If so, how many bottles? And which state was this on?

12

I would have said, Ok, see ya, and left.

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13

What the…I’ve never heard of such a thing. Did they have any other drink choices on the menu? What if you don’t drink wine?!

14

the clever thing to do is charge a high deposit, insist on 2 bottles of wine minimum, and only serve DRC/high end Bordeaux at a high markup. Pay for a few fake reviews, you wont even need a chef.

15

Nope. I wasn’t travelling Larry.

16

Well, I believe the law in CA says your Alc sales cannot exceed your food sales if a restaurant.

17

DRC $100, service charge $50,000?

point was though everyone would walk away when they saw the wine list andd two bottle minimum :smiley: so you just take the deposits!

18

It sounds like the venue are desperately trying to monetize their cellar.

Ok, maybe you don’t want to out them. But I don’t think ‘small, family run’ is an excuse to hijack patrons. Or there is some backstory with corkage that has not been mentioned.

Personally, I would have sat down, fussed around a bit with the menu/list, called another place to book a table, and then left.

19

So this is a Southern California restaurant and you were not trying to BYOB, correct? Just trying to make sure I understand all of the particulars here. Do they allow BYOB and if so, what is that policy?

This is a strange policy - and you did not have the choice of just drinking water instead? Just seems so darned strange . . .

Thanks for all of the clarifications please

Cheers

20

What if you want more than 2 bottles? [wink.gif]

1 Like