Ontario's privacy commissioner says provincial liquor stores are within their rights to request personal information when purchases are returned.

Ann Cavoukian's ruling is in response to a complaint from a customer who was asked for his personal info when he returned some merchandise.

The customer said he felt as if he had no choice but to surrender his personal data to obtain a refund from the LCBO outlet.

But Cavoukian said collecting the information is acceptable in order to address the issue of fraudulent returns. She notes an estimated eight to 10 per cent of all returns are fraudulent and represent a legitimate business concern.

Cavoukian added however, that the LCBO privacy policy is "somewhat inaccessible" to consumers.

While the LCBO says personal information is only collected when the customer voluntarily provides it, Cavoukian said "there is nothing voluntary" when it comes to providing the information in order to receive a refund.

Cavoukian said the LCBO needs to provide customers with greater access to information regarding its privacy and return policies.