Retail - Frequently Asked Questions

How many retail stores do you have and where are they located?
ABS has 26 retail stores located throughout the County. Please check the retail stores page for locations, hours and directions.

I’m interested in a product that I don’t see on your shelves. Can you get it for me?
Yes, there is a good chance that the product is available for purchase at another ABS retail store or can be purchased as a special order. If another ABS store has it in stock, we will gladly transfer it to the store location that is most convenient for you.

If the product is not available in our retail stores, we will research pricing and availability as it is likely the ABS can special order the product for you by the case. You will need to place the order for and purchase the full case at the store and they will contact you once it arrives. Each store manager is equipped to place your special order for you. For a list of stores and store manager contacts, click here.

What is your return policy?
The ABS return policy allows for returns within 30 days of purchase as indicated on the original paper receipt.

Can I exchange product without a receipt?
Customers cannot exchange product for a different item without an original paper receipt dated within 30 days of purchase.  

Can I return product to any ABS store?
Yes, returns can be made at any of the Montgomery County 26 ABS locations, do not forget your original paper receipt dated within 30 days of purchase.

Can I return an already open bottle?
Product must be unopened and in new condition to be eligible for return or exchange.

How will I receive a reimbursement?
Returns will be made using the original method of payment. If the method of payment used has been lost or is no longer valid, store credit will be issued. *ABS will process returns immediately, however, financial institutions have up to 14 days to return funds to the purchaser’s account. Returns for cash purchases over $250 dollars will be made in the form of a check that will be mailed to you. This may take up to four weeks for the customer to receive.

Can I get reimbursed if I break a bottle after leaving the store?
ABS is not responsible for any dropped, broken, or damaged product that occurs after leaving the store and no refunds, credits or exchanges will be issued in these situations. This includes items broken due to box or bag failure.

What forms of payment do your stores accept?
ABS accepts cash and credit cards for consumer purchases. Personal checks are not accepted. Commercial checks (from county license holders) will be accepted for purchases when using the business account.

Do all of your retail stores carry the exact same products?
ABS stores vary in size (from 2,800 square feet to over 7,250 square feet), so it is impossible for every store to have all the same products. In addition, since they are located throughout Montgomery County, the inventory in each store reflects items that are popular in each location. We do have the ability to quickly move items from store to store to accommodate customers, so please ask a store manager if you don’t see what you want. In addition, store inventory changes as customers’ tastes change so, by all means, talk to your store manager.

Can ABS retail stores or the warehouse limit quantities of products sold to its customers?
Yes, state alcohol law gives ABS retail stores and the warehouse the ability to limit the amount of products sold to a licensee or consumer. This helps to maintain fair product access for both license holders and the public.

ABS retail shoppers

Allocated products are noted as such on the product search portal and purchases are limited to one bottle per day, per customer. Note: this means a customer can buy a total of one allocated product per day, not one of each allocated item per day. In addition, customers are not able to place holds for allocated products; these products are sold on a first come first serve basis or through the ABS lottery program. This allocated product policy is in place so that these rare and highly sought after products are sold fairly and maximize a customer's chance to purchase these products. Additionally, this policy lessens a resellers ability to purchase these items and illegally sell them online.

What is the ABS store carding policy?
ABS customers will be expected to show a valid ID. ABS employees will have discretion, not to require an ID, from those customers that obviously meet the age requirements. 

The following ID is acceptable for proof of age, according Maryland guidelines:

• State driver’s license with picture
• Military identification
• Passport Immigration card
• State MVA ID card

Who do I call to report illegal or irresponsible activity regarding beverage alcohol?
Call the Communication Center 240-777-1900. If this is an emergency, dial 911.

Why can’t I purchase beer and wine in my grocery store?
Maryland state law prohibits beer and wine sold in grocery stores. Three Montgomery County grocery stores sell beer and wine today because they were licensed before the law changed in the early 1980s.

How do I sign up for the weekly e-newsletter, What's in Store?
Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter for sales and specials, new products, limited availability items, and community news here.