Expert: Paul Wagner - 9/5/2007

Question
My father collected liquors from around the world on his travels. My mother is now left with the task of dispersing his collection. The great majority are just display liquors (you wouldn't want to drink them). She can't sell them in Michigan because they don't have a seal on them. Would you suggest a way my mother could sell this collection to a bar or restaurant that they could then use it as a decoration? Thank you.

Answer
HI Carol

It is illegal for individuals to sell liquor in all of the fifty states, so that makes this a little complicated. However, I have seen such things sold on ebay, with a clear disclaimer on the listing that says these bottles are not for consumption, but only for display.  That way, ebay claims that they are not really selling the items for the liquor inside.

You could also try winebid.com, but I don't know if they sell higher alcohol beverages.  And yes, a local wine shop or restaurant might be interested, but there is no central clearing house for that kind of thing.  And since the market is small, you might get far less than you would on something like ebay.

You might also consider getting an appraisal for the collection, and then donating it to a wine school or culinary school--you could at least take a sizeable tax deduction at that point.

Paul Wagner