diff --git a/src/privileges/topics.js b/src/privileges/topics.js
index 57447b196d..3a32bcfa5a 100644
--- a/src/privileges/topics.js
+++ b/src/privileges/topics.js
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ module.exports = function(privileges) {
 				var deletable = isAdminOrMod || results.isOwner;
 
 				callback(null, {
-					'topics:reply': results['topics:reply'][0],
+					'topics:reply': results['topics:reply'][0] || isAdminOrMod,
 					read: results.read[0] || isAdminOrMod,
 					view_thread_tools: editable || deletable,
 					editable: editable,