diff --git a/src/callbacks.py b/src/callbacks.py
index e18838c8a..58c7025d9 100644
--- a/src/callbacks.py
+++ b/src/callbacks.py
@@ -519,7 +519,8 @@ class RichReplyMethods(object):
                 v = self._getConfig(conf.supybot.replies.noCapability)
                 v %= capability
             s = self.__makeReply(v, s)
-            return self._error(s, **kwargs)
+            if s:
+                return self._error(s, **kwargs)
         else:
             log.warning('Denying %s for some unspecified capability '
                         '(or a default).', self.msg.prefix)