Bengaluru Court Fines Tonique for Charging Customer for Branded Carry Bag

The Bengaluru Consumer Commission has ordered liquor retailer Tonique to pay ₹5,000 to a customer for charging ₹14.29 for a carry bag. 

Praveen B bought liquor worth ₹1,585 from Tonique and was charged ₹14.29 for a carry bag displaying the store’s branding. He filed a complaint, calling it an unfair trade practice. Tonique argued that the customer voluntarily chose the bag, was informed about the charge, and had alternatives.

However, the court found the action “unprofessional and unfair,” stating that charging for a bag with store branding amounts to an unfair trade practice.

Tonique was also ordered to refund ₹14.29, pay ₹1 lakh to the Consumer Welfare Fund, and bear the litigation costs.