diff --git a/appservice.py b/appservice.py
index 550dc60..f0d75cf 100644
--- a/appservice.py
+++ b/appservice.py
@@ -77,6 +77,9 @@ def query_alias(alias):
             db_session.add(rr)
             db_session.commit()
 
+    except pnutpy.errors.PnutPermissionDenied:
+        abort(401)
+
     except Exception:
         logger.exception("-couldn't get the pnut channel-")
         abort(404)