Q: We ordered drinks for our wedding from a local wholesaler. About two weeks ago, we met with the trader and, after confirming the brand of wine we would be getting, we were told that the wine we chose was not available so we needed to choose something else.

We checked with another supplier who told us he could provide us with the brand of wine we wanted.

Hence, we called the original supplier to cancel the wine order. The trader told us that we couldn’t do that and if we cancelled the order we would lose our deposit.

We would like to know if he can actually do that since we are still getting the rest of the alcohol and drinks from him?

A: If the supplier is unable to provide you with the brand of wine you specifically agreed on in your order, then legally you have the right to cancel that part of the sale without losing the deposit paid.

If, after talking to the trader, he insists on charging you a penalty for cancelling the wine order, you may then file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.