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Call Kurtis: Sam's Club Wouldn't Stand By Vodka Money-Back Guarantee

SUN CITY (CBS13) —  There's no question what Ed Sullivan thinks of the Member's Mark brand Vodka he bought from Sam's Club.

"It didn't have any flavor," he said. "It tasted sour."

He and his wife Sandra planned to serve the $14 bottle to their friends while playing cards.

But after one swig ...

"Oh, I'm not going to serve it to anybody except maybe a couple of politicians." Ed joked.

The label clearly states "100% Money Back Guarantee". With almost a full bottle of Vodka, Ed says the Sam's Club in Roseville refused to take it back saying it'll illegal to take back alcohol. He says they referred him to corporate which referred him back to the store. He says the store then promised to get him in contact with the distillery, but never followed through.

"Enough is enough," he said.

Consumer Expert Edgar Dworsky of ConsumerWorld says something marked 100% Money Back Guarantee, should only require the item and a receipt.

"The consumer should not have to track down who the private manufacturer is," Dworksy said. "The store should step up. It's their own brand."

We checked with California's Alcoholic Beverage Control learning there's no California law barring the return of alcohol.

"The ABC Act, in fact, specifically allows for the return/refund of an alcohol purchase by/to 'a dissatisfied customer'," said agency spokesperson John Carr.

After reaching out to Sam's Club, they realized the mistake and asked Ed to return to the store.

"I showed them my card and they said, 'Oh, yeah. Mr. Sullivan we've been expecting you.'"

Ed walked out with a refund and a $25 gift card for his trouble.

"I've got a different brand we love," Sullivan said. It's called Kirkland. (Costco's Generic Label)"

Sam's Club told us the store has sent out a memo to its workers making sure they know the store does take back alcohol.

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