Krogers: Email sent to Krogers Managers - Note* #16 (What is This??) Mangers Can Override the Whole Coupon Policy

Below is a copy of part of an email that my Dallas-Fort Worth Kroger store manager received 3-29-2011 (Tuesday) after news broke regarding Houston stores "not doubling and tripling anymore." When the DFW media picked up on the story, apparently Kroger felt the need to get information to it's managers.

Kroger Southwest Coupon Guidelines
Revised 03/29/11

This policy is intended as a general guide to using coupons at Kroger Southwest stores located in Texas and Louisiana

1. Coupons are redeemed for face value unless otherwise advertised at your local Kroger store.
2. Coupons must be presented at the time of the transaction.
3. Coupons may only be redeemed for items, brands and sizes as specified by the verbiage requirements of the coupon.
4. We accept all valid, current manufacturer coupons. We do not accept expired coupons.
5. We accept valid, current online, internet and print-at-home coupons.

5.1 Online and other Printable coupons should be valid, legible and have a bar code that scans.
5.2 Printable Coupons having value more than 75% of the item price are not accepted
5.3 Free product printable coupons are not accepted
5.4 Buy-one-get-one-free coupons are accepted
5.5 Printable coupons will not be accepted if they appear copied or altered in any way.
5.6 The printable coupons should be printed directly from the website or email in which they were offered.
5.7 Printable coupons have unique serial numbers and follow an industry standard format; they are non-transferable and should not be copied, scanned, sold, traded or otherwise distributed.
6. We accept all valid, current Catalina Manufacturer coupons and Kroger Catalina Coupons.
6.1 Kroger Catalina coupons printed at the check lane may be used on your next shopping trip.
6.2 Catalina messages are not redeemable coupons.
6.3 Kroger and Competitor Catalina Manufacturer coupons may be accepted
6.4 Competitor Catalina Store Coupons may not be accepted.
7. Competitor Manufacturer and Store Coupons
7.4 Pharmacy competitor coupons and Competitor Catalina Manufacturer Coupons are accepted
7.5 All other competitor’s coupons are not accepted. Competitor Catalina Store Coupons are not accepted.
8. Coupon Stacking: A manufacturer coupon and a Kroger Store Coupon may be used on the same item. Two or more of any other type of coupons may not be used on the same item.
9. If a Manufacturer coupon exceeds the price of the item, the excess will be applied to the basket purchase. If the excess is greater than amount due on the total order after the coupons are redeemed, the excess will be given in cash. WIC or SNAP items in a WIC or SNAP transaction are ineligible for cash back or application to the basket purchase.
10. Coupons may not be combined with certain special pricing programs, including $4 and $10 generic prescription pricing.
11. The Coupon may not be applied to any free item received in an offer.
12 The Coupon must have a scan bar that scans and applicable “bill to” information.
13. Items returned will be refunded at the after coupon price. The coupon will not be returned to the customer.
14. Sales taxes will be applied in accordance with the law of the applicable state, regardless of any coupon or other discount that may apply to the purchase transaction.
15. Coupons may not be applied to items restricted by law. Coupons may not be applied to services such as but not limited to Gift Cards, Money Orders, Utility Payments, Postage Stamps, Event Tickets, Lottery or Phone Cards.
16. Kroger Store Management reserves the right to accept, decline or limit any coupon.
17. A Kroger coupon policy retrieved from any other source does not reflect the coupon policy at Kroger Southwest stores.
18. Our Coupon policy is subject to change without notice at any time.