Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

I have a small business in Northern California. Until Jan 2011 I belonged to the chamber of commerce here in Paradise. I chose not to renew my membership for this year. The chamber here sells gift certificates to people which they can take to participating businesses and redeem. The business then returns these gift certificates to the chamber for redemption. I took $345.00 worth of gift certificates that was redeemed in my business to the chamber today for redemption. I was told they could not be redeemed unless I renew my membership with the chamber. Is this legal? I have not signed any agreement linking redemption of gift certificates to membership renewal nor was I aware of this rule.


Asked on 6/13/11, 2:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Without seeing the terms and conditions of the gift certificate program it is hard to say. I am guessing there is something in writing addressing the program. If you accepted these gift certificates before you membership lapsed, you may be entitled to be reimbursed. If you accepted them after your membership lapsed, you are probably out of luck. Once your membership lapsed you are in the same situation as any other business that is not member of the chamber.

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Answered on 6/14/11, 12:55 pm


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