Sending to remnant bin rather than selling a whole piece?

I was at the cutting counter today. The customer in front of me was buying 2 yards and there was about 1/2 yard left on the bolt. She said she would just take the whole 2 1/2 yards. The cutter told her she can’t have it, the new policy is only full yards. That last half yard will be sent to the remnant bin. Does this make sense to anyone, or is it just an asinine policy set by liquidators who don’t understand fabric sales? (Happy to report the customer didn’t argue the policy. She and the cutter both laughed about it)