R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-16.8 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-16.8
§ 3-7-16.8. Additional license  City of Providence.
Status: in_force

In addition to the licenses provided for in this chapter, the board of licenses of the city of Providence is authorized to establish and issue the following license. Before granting a license to any person under the provisions of § 3-7-16.8, the board of licenses of the city of Providence shall give notice by advertisement published once a week for at least two (2) weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city of Providence. The advertisement shall contain the name of the applicant and a description by street and number or other plain designation of the particular location for which the license is requested. Notice of the application shall also be given, by mail, to all owners of property within two hundred feet (200²) of the place of business seeking the application. The cost of the application shall be borne by the applicant. The notices shall state that remonstrants are entitled to be heard before the granting of the license and shall name the time and place of the hearing. At the time and place, the remonstrants shall be granted a full opportunity to make their objections before the licensing board acts upon the application.

(1) Class S license  Supper club  Food and Nightclub.

(i) A retailers Class S license is issued only to a licensed, bona fide tavern keeper or victualer whose tavern or victualing house may be open for business and regularly patronized at least from nine oclock (9:00) a.m. to seven oclock (7:00) p.m. provided no beverage is sold or served after one oclock (1:00) a.m., nor before six oclock (6:00) a.m. The licensing board may fix an earlier closing time, at its discretion. The annual license fee for a Class S license shall be four hundred dollars ($400) to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).

(ii) The license authorizes the holder to keep for sale and sell beverages, including beer in cans, at retail at the place described and to deliver them for consumption on the premises or place where sold, but only at tables or a lunch bar where food is served. It also authorizes the charging of a cover, minimum, or door charge. The amount of the cover, or minimum, or door charge is posted at the entrance of the establishments in a prominent place.

(iii) Any holder of a Class S license may file an application with the licensing board to open for business and serve or sell beverages until two oclock (2:00) a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and the night before legal state holidays. The fee for such application shall be between two hundred dollars ($200) and one thousand dollars ($1,000). All requests for a two oclock (2:00) a.m. license shall be advertised by the board of licenses in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city of Providence.

(iv) Subject to the provisions of the Providence zoning ordinance, a holder of a retailers Class S license is allowed to erect signs advertising their business and products sold on the premises, including neon signs, and is allowed to light those signs during all lawful business hours, including Sundays and holidays.

(v) The holder of a Class S license may convert their establishment from a supper club to a nightclub between designated hours, upon approval by the board of licenses at the time of the original application. The applicant shall provide to the board the designated hours it will operate as a nightclub, and all other information as required by the board of licenses for approval of a Class N license. Upon approval of such application, the licensee shall adhere to all conditions required for a Class N license holder. Provided a Class S license holder has applied for and been approved for this additional nightclub format and a violation subsequently occurs, the board may choose to impose a penalty on the supper club operation or the nightclub operation, or both, as determined by the format in operation at the time of the violation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-10-18 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-10 / Section 3-10-18
§ 3-10-18. Payment of malt beverage tax.
Status: in_force

A person who has placed an order with the department of business regulation for the importation of malt beverages into this state under the provisions of § 3-10-16, shall file a duplicate copy of that order with the tax administrator. The administrator shall determine the amount of tax due in connection with that order under the provisions of § 3-10-17. Notice of the amount of the tax determined shall be certified to the general treasurer. The tax shall be paid to the general treasurer as a condition precedent to the forwarding of the order by the department of business regulation. If the order is placed by a licensee who engages to store the beverages ordered or any part of them in the warehouse of the department of business regulation, then the payment of the tax may be deferred until the beverages are withdrawn from the warehouse, and in that case as beverages are withdrawn the tax shall be paid.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-10-5_3-10-5 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-10 / Section 3-10-5_3-10-5
§ 3-10-5. Information supplemental to returns  Audit of books. [Effective until January 1, 2026.]3-10-5. Information supplemental to returns  Audit of books. [Effective January 1, 2026.]
Status: in_force

(a) The tax administrator may at any time request further information from any person or from the officers and employees of any corporation that he or she may deem necessary to verify, explain, or correct any return made in pursuance of the provisions of this chapter, and for the like purpose, the administrator or his or her authorized agent may examine the books of account of that person or corporation during business hours.

(b) Each Class A licensee authorized to sell intoxicating beverages at wholesale or retail in this state shall file an annual report on or before February 1 with the division of taxation in the form required by the tax administrator. Such report shall include, but not be limited to, total sales of alcoholic beverages, sales tax, and excise tax collections on such sales for the immediately preceding calendar year. Annually, on or before May 1, the tax administrator shall prepare and submit to the chairs of the house and senate finance committees a report reflecting data from the annual reports submitted by said licensee to the division of taxation. The tax administrators report shall compile total sales of alcoholic beverages, sales tax, and excise tax collections by county.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-12 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-12
§ 3-6-12. Agents licenses.
Status: in_force

Any person who represents a distillery, winery, or brewery is deemed and taken to be acting as an agent for and on behalf of that distillery, winery, or brewery, and is required to have received from the department a license to act as an agent. The annual fee for that license is fifty dollars ($50.00) paid to the general treasurer. The department may, after notice, suspend or revoke any license for cause.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-20.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-20.1
§ 3-5-20.1. Manufacturers and wholesalers licenses  Notice and procedure.
Status: in_force

All manufacturers and wholesalers licenses to be issued under this chapter shall be in any form prescribed by the department. The licensee shall be held liable under any rules and regulations that the department shall impose, establish and authorize and the department is authorized to establish any rules and regulations. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this section, the adoption or authorization of rules and regulations by the department and the modification or repeal of any rules and regulations previously adopted shall be by written order of the department and adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-4.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-4.1
§ 3-7-4.1. Holders of retail Class A licenses permitted to conduct wine, beer, and distilled spirit samplings inside licensed premises.
Status: in_force

Any holder of a Class A retail license shall be permitted to conduct at no charge to the consumer, inside the premises of the licensee, sample tastings of wine (under 13% alcohol by volume), beer (under 5.5% alcohol by volume), and distilled spirits available for purchase from the licensees outlet. These samples shall not exceed one-ounce servings of each wine, the number of wines being limited to no more than four (4) products at any one tasting; and one-ounce servings of each beer, with the number of beer samplings being limited to two (2) products at any one tasting; and one-quarter-ounce servings (Â¼ oz.) of each distilled spirit, the number of distilled spirits being limited to no more than two (2) products at any one tasting. Furthermore, wine, beer, and distilled spirits samplings may not be conducted simultaneously on the same Class A licensed premise. Each consumer shall be limited to no more than one sample tasting of each product. The licensee may elect, once during the month of March, once during the month of August, and once during the month of November only, to serve unlimited samples of wine products available for purchase from the licensees outlet.

It shall be required that the licensee provide, at no charge to the consumer, food samplings to be included with the tasting of all wine and beer. Those food samplings not consumed during the tasting shall not thereafter be offered for sale.

The licensee shall control, without wholesaler or supplier participation, the dispensing of all samples to prospective customers. The licensee may not hold more than ten (10) tasting events in any thirty-day (30) period. It shall be required that the licensee provide to the dispenser(s) of said wine and beer samples, training in the service of alcoholic beverages by a recognized training provider of alcoholic beverage service.

Sampling events may not be promoted except on the licensed premises. It shall be unlawful for any wholesaler, manufacturer, supplier, or any other person or entity to participate or provide anything or any service of value on account of or in conjunction with any such sampling. It shall be unlawful for any tasting, or combination of tastings, to exceed more than four (4) hours from start to finish and must be conducted during the normal hours of business.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-14-11 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-14 / Section 3-14-11
§ 3-14-11. Statute of limitations.
Status: in_force

Any action under this chapter against a defendant alleging negligent or reckless conduct must be brought within three (3) years after the cause of action accrues.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-6 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-6
§ 3-5-6. Classes of licenses.
Status: in_force

There are several classes of beverage licenses, each of which authorizes the doing of things stated in the chapter and sections concerning the class of license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-9-8 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-9 / Section 3-9-8
§ 3-9-8. Possession of impure or adulterated liquors as evidence of keeping for sale.
Status: in_force

Having in possession, in a place of business or in any place, building, or dwelling where liquors are sold, of one gallon or upwards of impure or adulterated liquors is evidence that those impure or adulterated liquors are kept for sale by the person in whose possession those impure or adulterated liquors may be found.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-6.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-6.1
§ 3-8-6.1. Identification cards for persons under the age of 21.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue to any person upon request, who is under twenty-one (21) years of age, an identification card upon payment of a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and, upon presentation of a certified birth or baptismal certificate, or U.S. or foreign passport, or U.S. naturalization certificate, or a valid immigrant or refugee document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services including, but not limited to, any one of the following: Form I-551, Form I-94, Form I-688A, Form I-688, and a form evidencing that the applicant is a current or past recipient of a grant of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, together with a document bearing the applicants signature. No person who holds an operators license or a driver privilege card, issued by this state or any other state, shall be issued an identification card.

(2) The identification card shall be subject to renewal every five (5) years upon the payment of a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

(3) The identification card shall be signed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and also by the applicant, and his or her picture shall appear on the card along with the required information and the card shall be encased in laminated plastic. The card shall be two inches (2³) in height and four inches (4³) in length and shall be printed in the following form:

(4) The identification cards shall be produced at the adult correctional institution if they have facilities to do so; if the adult correctional institutions have no facilities to do so, then all cards shall be manufactured by the lowest responsible bidder following advertisement for the solicitation of bids.

(5) The identification cards shall be clearly distinguishable from those issued pursuant to § 3-8-6 and operators and chauffeurs licenses issued pursuant to title 31.

(b) The identification card may be withdrawn at any time for just cause, at the discretion of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall keep a record of the cards issued and each card shall contain an identification number specifically assigned to the person to whom the card was issued.

(c) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall, upon presentation of a United States Department of Defense (DD) FORM 214 or other acceptable documentation of military service and verification of an honorable discharge, issue an identification card to the presenter that is clearly marked veteran, at no additional cost.

(d) Issuance of a Rhode Island identification card under this section to a current or past recipient of a grant of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program shall not confer the right to vote in the state of Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-6 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-6
§ 3-7-6. Renewal of Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, and Class J licenses.
Status: in_force

The holder of a Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, or Class J license who applies before October 1 in any licensing period for a license of the same class for the next succeeding licensing period is prima facie entitled to renewal to the extent that the license is issuable under § 3-5-16. This application may be rejected for cause, subject to appeal as provided in § 3-7-21. A person whose application has been rejected by the local licensing authorities shall, for the purpose of license quotas under § 3-5-16, be deemed to have been granted a license until the period for an appeal has expired or until his or her appeal has been dismissed. The license holder may be required to pay a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) fee upon application of renewal, at the option of local licensing authorities. This fee shall be used by the local licensing authority for advertising and administrative costs related to processing the renewal application.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-12 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-12
§ 3-8-12. Expungement of certain criminal records.
Status: in_force

The court records of conviction of any person convicted of a violation of § 3-8-6, 3-8-9, or 3-8-10, while between the age of eighteen (18) to twenty-one (21) shall be expunged without the requirement of filing a motion pursuant to chapter 1.3 of title 12; provided, that all outstanding court-imposed or court-related fees, fines, costs, assessments, charges and/or any other obligations imposed by the court have been paid and/or satisfied, or are reduced or waived by order of the court. The defendant shall be advised that any and all bail money relating to a case that remains on deposit and is not claimed at the time of expungement shall be escheated to the states general treasury in accordance with chapter 12 of title 8.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-14-12 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-14 / Section 3-14-12
§ 3-14-12. Evidence of responsible serving practices.
Status: in_force

(a) Proof of defendants responsible serving practices is admissible as evidence that the server was not negligent or reckless. Responsible serving practices include, but are not limited to:

(1) Defendants and defendants employees attendance at a server education training course; and

(2) Defendants implementation, at the time of service, of responsible management policies, procedures, and actions.

(b) Proof or disproof that the defendant was adhering to responsible serving practices is not by itself proof or disproof of negligence or recklessness.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-1-4 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-1 / Section 3-1-4
§ 3-1-4. Sales on execution exempt from title.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this title and chapter shall be construed as prohibiting deputy sheriffs, constables and town sergeants from selling beverages, as defined in this title, under and by virtue of executions duly levied.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-27 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-27
§ 3-5-27. Annual reports.
Status: in_force

(a) Boards, bodies or officials in towns or cities issuing licenses under this title shall annually on or before the first day of December, and at any other times required by the department, make a report to the department, which states the number of licenses granted by them lawfully outstanding at the time of the report with the names and addresses of the licensees, and a description of the licensed places, and the amount of money received and any other information required by the department. The department shall make available, by electronic means, the annual reports filed by said towns and cities to provide those reports to members of the public and general assembly upon request.

(b) The department shall, on or before the first day of February in every year, make available on its website, a report showing the number of manufacturers and wholesalers licenses granted by it lawfully outstanding at the time of the report with the names and addresses of licensees and a description of the licensed places, and the division of taxation shall report the amount of money received, showing the amount of beverages of various kinds imported into this state by each licensed dealer and the amount of service charge collected and the general condition affecting the use of beverages in this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-21 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-12 / Section 3-12-21
§ 3-12-21. Recognizance of witnesses on appeal.
Status: in_force

In case of an appeal pursuant to § 3-12-20, the district court shall, upon motion either of the complainant or defendant, require any witness sworn, to enter into recognizance in the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) with condition that he or she will appear before the court appealed to, to testify in the trial of the appeal whenever that appeal shall be called for trial.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-15 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-15
§ 3-5-15. Local licensing authorities.
Status: in_force

The right, power, and jurisdiction to issue all other licenses authorized by this title within the maximum number to be fixed as provided in § 3-5-16 are in the town councils or license boards of the several towns, and in the mayors and city councils in the several cities. However, where a police commission exists in a town or in a city that police commission has the right, power, and jurisdiction to issue those other licenses. If there is neither a city council nor a police commission in a city, the right, power, and jurisdiction shall be in the mayor and council. In the city of Providence the right, power, and jurisdiction are in the bureau of licenses. In the several cases where the town councils or license boards of the several towns, the mayors and city councils of the several cities, or the mayor and council of a city are authorized to issue licenses, they are for that purpose constituted license commissioners, and in those cases the town or city clerk is the clerk of those commissioners.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-2-2 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-2 / Section 3-2-2
§ 3-2-2. Supervision.
Status: in_force

(a) The department has general supervision of the conduct of the business of manufacturing, importing, exporting, storing, transporting, keeping for sale, and selling beverages.

(b) The department may lease a warehouse for the purpose of efficiently exercising its powers and duties of inspection and may upon reasonable charges store beverages for license holders in the warehouse. No lease shall be for a longer period than five (5) years and every lease shall contain the provision that if it becomes unlawful to manufacture, keep for sale, and to sell beverages in this state it shall become void.

(c) The department has the power at any time to issue, renew, revoke and cancel all manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers Class G licenses and permits as are provided for by this title.

(d) The department shall supervise and inspect all licensed places to enforce the provisions of this title and the conditions, rules and regulations which the department establishes and authorizes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-15 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-15
§ 3-6-15. Manufacturers interest in business of wholesaler prohibited.
Status: in_force

No manufacturer of distilled spirits or wines whose principal place of manufacture is outside of this state shall hold a wholesalers license issued under this title or shall have any interest in a wholesalers license, either directly or indirectly, as an owner or part owner, or through a subsidiary or affiliate, or by any officers, directors, or employees of the manufacturer, or by stock ownership, interlocking directors, trusteeship, loan, mortgage or by being a guarantor, endorser or surety of any obligation of a wholesaler.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-10 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-10
§ 3-7-10. Doors from Class C licensed premises to other structures  Sale to unlicensed dealer or house of ill fame.
Status: in_force

If at the time of or after the issue of any Class C license, the place licensed shall have an opening from within the licensed place into any other part of the same structure or into any adjoining structure, the license shall be void. A sale, by any person holding any class of license under the provisions of this title, of any beverage to an unlicensed dealer in any beverage or to any owner or keeper of any house of ill fame, with reason to believe that the beverage is to be resold, shall be sufficient cause for the revocation of the license. The holder shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisoned not more than thirty (30) days, or both. Any person whose license is revoked is disqualified from holding any license of any kind under the provisions of this title for the period of five (5) years following the date of the revocation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-2-6 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-2 / Section 3-2-6
§ 3-2-6. Suspension or revocation of license for refusing officials access to licensed premises.
Status: in_force

If any inspector or other officer charged with the duty of supervision or inspection of places licensed under the provisions of this title is refused access to any licensed premises at a time when any person is within the licensed premises, after exhibiting his or her credentials if requested, that refusal shall be a sufficient ground for the suspension or revocation of that license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-15.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-15.1
§ 3-7-15.1. Class GD license.
Status: in_force

(a) A retailers Class GD license, upon application, shall be issued only to an operator of a vessel engaged in regular interstate commerce, providing overnight accommodations for passengers.

(b) The holder of a Class GD license is permitted to keep for sale and to serve alcoholic beverages to passengers traveling on board the vessel while the vessel is docked at any port in this state.

(c) The Class GD license is good throughout this state as a state license and no further license is required or tax imposed by any city or town upon this privilege.

(d) All licenses issued shall include the name of the vessel licensed and shall be posted on board the vessel.

(e) The fee for the Class GD license is the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) and the term is for one year.

(f) The Class GD license shall not authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages on board the vessel for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours in any one port in this state and not more than one seventy-two (72) hour period within any calendar week in any one port in this state.

(g) A Class G and GD liquor license may be issued for the same vessel, notwithstanding the provisions of § 3-5-9.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-10 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-10
§ 3-8-10. Possession of beverage by underage persons.
Status: in_force

Any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday and has in his or her possession any beverage as defined in this title shall be fined one hundred fifty dollars ($150) to seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) for the first offense, three hundred dollars ($300) to seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) for the second offense, and four hundred fifty dollars ($450) to nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) for the third or subsequent offense. In addition, any person who violates this section shall be required to perform thirty (30) hours of community service and shall be subject to a minimum sixty (60) day suspension of his or her drivers license, and upon a second offense may be ordered to undergo a substance abuse assessment by a licensed substance abuse professional.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-20 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-20
§ 3-5-20. Rules and regulations  Notice and procedure.
Status: in_force

All licenses issued shall be in any form prescribed by the department of business regulation and the license shall be held under any rules and regulations as the department shall impose, establish, and authorize and the department is authorized to establish rules and regulations and to authorize the making of any rules and regulations by the licensing authority of the several towns and cities as in their discretions in the public interest seem proper to be made. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this section, the adoption or authorization of rules and regulations by the department and the modification or repeal of any rules and regulations previously adopted shall be by written order of the department and adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-8 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-8
§ 3-6-8. Supervision of rectifying.
Status: in_force

The department of business regulation has general supervision of the conduct of the business of rectifying, and the right, power and jurisdiction to issue a rectifiers license is solely in that department.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-18 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-18
§ 3-8-18. Possession or sale of alcohol without liquid device prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for a person to use, offer for use, purchase, offer to purchase, sell, offer to sell, or possess an alcohol-without-liquid device as defined in § 3-1-1.

(b) This section shall not apply to a healthcare provider that operates primarily for the purpose of conducting scientific research, a state institution conducting bona fide research, a private college or university conducting bona fide research, or to a pharmaceutical company or biotechnology company conducting bona fide research.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-13-1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-13 / Section 3-13-1
§ 3-13-1. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) Agreement means any contract, agreement, or arrangement, whether expressed or implied, whether oral or written, for a definite or indefinite period between a supplier and a wholesaler pursuant to which a wholesaler has the right to purchase, resell, and distribute any or all brands of malt beverages offered by the supplier. The agreement between a supplier and a wholesaler is not considered a franchise relationship.

(2) Good cause means the failure by any party to an agreement, without reasonable excuse and justification, to comply substantially with a reasonable requirement imposed by either party.

(3) Malt beverage means the same as defined in chapter 1 of this title.

(4) Person means a natural person, partnership, trust, agency, corporation, division of a corporation, or other form of business enterprise. Person also includes heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and guardians.

(5) Supplier means any person engaged in business as a brewer, manufacturer, importer, master wholesaler, broker, or agent of malt beverages who enters into an agreement with any wholesaler in this state to distribute any or all of its brands of malt beverages, and any successor-in-interest to that entity with respect to the agreement. The term supplier does not refer to any brewer licensed under § 3-6-1.

(6) Territory or sales territory means the geographic area of primary sales responsibility designated by an agreement between a wholesaler and supplier for any brand or brands of the supplier.

(7) This act means this chapter that has the short title and may be cited as the Beer Industry Fair Dealing Law.

(8) Wholesaler means any person licensed to import, or cause to be imported, into this state, or to purchase, or cause to be purchased, in this state, malt beverages for resale or distribution to retailers licensed in this state, and any successor-in-interest to that entity.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-15 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-15
§ 3-8-15. Sales of kegs of beer  Restrictions.
Status: in_force

(a) Every retailer of kegs of beer shall affix a removable label to each keg of beer sold which shall contain the name, address, date of birth, type of identification document used to verify the date, and the last four (4) digits of the identification number of the document, of the person purchasing the keg and the following language: Rhode Island law prohibits and imposes penalties for the sale, delivery, service of or giving away to, or causing, or permitting or procuring to be sold, delivered, served, or given away any alcoholic beverage to any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday. A violation of this statute is an offense punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) and six (6) months imprisonment. Minimum fine for first offense is three hundred fifty dollars ($350). The purchaser shall not remove, deface or obliterate the keg label. A keg without a label attached shall be subject to confiscation by the police. Removing or defacing a keg label shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

(b) The retailer shall maintain a copy of the keg label in a keg sales book and shall note on that copy whether the keg was returned with the keg label or not returned at all. The director of the department of business regulation shall develop regulations for the design and production of the keg labels. The director shall produce and issue uniform keg labels and keg sales books that shall be made available to the retailer at cost.

(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to those classes of licensed beverage retailers which are prohibited by law from making off premises sales.

(d) The director of business regulation shall design a uniform keg label which fulfills the provisions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-3 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-12 / Section 3-12-3
§ 3-12-3. Entry on licensed premises  Arrest without warrant  Evidence of unlawful sales.
Status: in_force

The mayor and council of any city, or the town council, or either member, or the chief of police of any city or town, or any police officer, or any town constable specially authorized by that city or town council, or any member of the division of state police, or agent of the department of business regulation and the division of taxation, may at any time enter upon the premises of any person licensed under this title to ascertain the manner in which that person conducts his or her business and to preserve order; and every chief of police, police officer, town constable or member of the division of state police, has the power to arrest, without a warrant, all persons found actually engaged, in the premises entered, in the commission of any offense in violation of any of the provisions of this title and to keep those persons arrested in custody until they can be brought before some magistrate (but for a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours) having the proper jurisdiction of that offense in that city or town to be dealt with according to law; and whenever any person is seen to drink any beverage in those premises, or in any part of those premises, on any days or hours prohibited, under this title, it is evidence that those beverages were sold and kept for sale by the occupant of those premises or his or her authorized agent.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-2 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-12 / Section 3-12-2
§ 3-12-2. Special constables not authorized to serve civil process.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this title conferring powers on the officers authorizes special constables to make service of civil process.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-4 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-12 / Section 3-12-4
§ 3-12-4. Search warrants.
Status: in_force

Search warrants to search for and seize any beverages, impure or adulterated liquors, vessels containing beverages or impure or adulterated liquors, or other property possessed, kept for sale or otherwise in violation of any of the provisions of this title may be issued as provided by law in chapter 5 of title 12.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-10-17 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-10 / Section 3-10-17
§ 3-10-17. Tax on imported malt beverages.
Status: in_force

There is imposed on all malt beverages imported into this state from another state under the provisions of § 3-10-16:

(1) A tax on every thirty-one (31) gallons, which tax is equal to the amount by which the sum of the taxes on those beverages, or on the sale of a like quantity of those beverages, shipped from this state into that other state, imposed by that other state from which those beverages are imported, when added to the service charges imposed by that other state in connection with the shipment into that other state, is in excess of the sum of the taxes imposed by that other state on those beverages, or on the sale of those beverages, manufactured within that other state when added to the service charges imposed by that other state in connection with the sale of those beverages manufactured within that other state; and

(2) A tax at a like rate for any other quantity or for any fractional part.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-10-14 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-10 / Section 3-10-14
§ 3-10-14. Brewers exempt from §§ 3-10-11  3-10-13.
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 3-10-11  3-10-13 shall not apply to brewers holding a manufacturers license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-17 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-17
§ 3-7-17. Discretionary fees.
Status: in_force

Where it is provided that a license fee shall be from a minimum to a maximum sum, the amount within those limits shall be fixed in the discretion of the issuing body, but in any city or town the fee for retailers licenses shall be uniform in every class.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-9-5 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-9 / Section 3-9-5
§ 3-9-5. Penalty for violations of § 3-9-4.
Status: in_force

Any person keeping for sale or offering to sell or selling any liquors in violation of § 3-9-4 shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than three hundred dollars ($300) or be imprisoned in an adult correctional institution for a period not exceeding three (3) months.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-8 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-8
§ 3-5-8. Expiration date of licenses.
Status: in_force

Every license except retailers Class F licenses and retailers Class G licenses shall expire on December 1 after its issuance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-8 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-8
§ 3-7-8. Class C license.
Status: in_force

(a) A retailers Class C license authorizes the holder of the license to keep for sale and to sell beverages at retail at the place described in the license and to deliver those beverages for consumption on the premises where sold. No beverages shall be sold or served after twelve oclock (12:00) midnight nor before six oclock (6:00) a.m., except as provided in subsection (e) herein. Local license boards in the several cities and towns may fix an earlier closing time within their discretion. The license authorizes the holder to keep for sale and sell beverages, including beer in cans, at retail at the place described in the license and to deliver those beverages for consumption on the premises.

(b) The license authorizes the holder to sell pre-packaged foods prepared off the premises with beverages but prohibits the preparation and serving of foods cooked on the premises. The holder of the license may serve with beverages, and without charge, popcorn, crackers, bread, pretzels, sausage of any type, pickles, sardines, smoked herring, lupino beans, and potato chips. No food shall be cooked on the premises but pre-packaged foods prepared and cooked off the premises and purchased by the holder from a supplier may be warmed and sold on the premises in their original packaging, and all foods shall be covered in accordance with the regulations of the state department of health. The annual fee for the license is four hundred dollars ($400) to eight hundred dollars ($800), prorated to the year ending December 1 in every calendar year.

(c) The town councils of the towns of Coventry, Scituate, and South Kingstown are authorized to prohibit by ordinance the issuance of Class C licenses. Upon prohibiting Class C licenses, the license board of the towns of Coventry, Scituate and South Kingstown shall issue Class B licenses to the holder of all Class C licenses in those towns. The Class B licenses may be issued to the holders of Class C licenses notwithstanding any requirements of § 3-7-7. The holders of Class C licenses shall have the full privileges of a Class B license and shall pay the annual fee provided for Class B licenses.

(d) Notwithstanding any prohibitions on the preparation and serving of foods cooked on the premises contained in paragraph (b) herein, the holders of Class C licenses in the city of Newport are authorized to prepare and serve foods cooked on the premises. The holders of Class C licenses in the city of Newport shall be deemed to be victualling houses for purposes of § 3-8-1.

(e) Any holder of a Class C license may, upon the approval of the local licensing board and for the additional payment of two hundred dollars ($200), sell or serve beverages on Fridays and Saturdays and the night before legal state holidays until one oclock (1:00) a.m. All requests for a one oclock (1:00) a.m. license shall be advertised, at the applicants expense, by the local licensing board in a newspaper with a general statewide circulation or having a general circulation in the city or town where the establishment applying for the license is located.

(f) The licensing board for the city of Providence is authorized to immediately suspend or revoke the license or exercise other remedies, in accordance with proper due process owed to the licensee, with respect to:

(1) Any Class C licensee that provides entertainment without an entertainment license issued by the city of Providence pursuant to its authority under chapter 22 of title 5; and/or

(2) Any Class C licensee that engages in activities exceeding those permitted by a Class C license, unless such licensee has obtained any additional license permitting such activities, including, but not limited to, a Class N license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-4-2 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-4 / Section 3-4-2
§ 3-4-2. Payment of purchase price and service charges.
Status: in_force

If the division of taxation decides to execute an order pursuant to § 3-4-1, it may require the payment to it, with the order and the means of paying for the merchandise desired, of a reasonable sum to cover any expenses it may be put to in connection with the transaction taken in connection with other similar transactions. It is a condition precedent to the receiving of the merchandise covered by the order that the party desiring the importation has paid the division of taxation a service charge based upon the manufacturing rates set forth in § 3-10-1 provided, that if the order is placed by a licensee who engages to store the goods ordered, or any part of them, in the warehouse of the department, then the payment of the service charge may be deferred until the goods are withdrawn from the warehouse and in that case the service charge is paid before each lot or parcel is withdrawn.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-22 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-22
§ 3-5-22. Reissuance of license after revocation.
Status: in_force

In case any license issued is revoked, the board, body or official revoking the license shall, as part of the order of revocation, provide that no license be granted to the same person for the period of one year after the revocation, and in case the order is made, no license shall be issued during the year to the person whose license is revoked.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-26 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-26
§ 3-7-26. Certain practices prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) No licensee, employee or agent of any licensee who operates under a license to sell alcoholic beverages shall:

(1) Cause or require any person or persons to buy more than one drink at a time by reducing the price of that drink;

(2) Increase the volume of alcohol contained in any alcoholic beverage without proportionately increasing the price;

(3) Sell, propose to sell or deliver to any person or persons an unlimited number of drinks during a certain period of time for a fixed price; or

(4) Allow or encourage any game or promotion on the premises which involves the drinking of alcoholic beverages or the awarding of alcoholic beverages as prizes for consumption on the premises.

(b)(1) No licensee shall advertise or promote in any manner, or in any medium, happy hours, open bars, two-for-one nights and/or free drink specials.

(2) Any licensee is prohibited from knowingly allowing the use of its premises as part of an organized pub crawl, so-called. A pub crawl shall be defined as an organized event intended to promote the organized, commercial travel of significantly large groups of individuals between licensed premises for the primary purpose of consuming alcoholic beverages at more than one premise. Evidence of a pub crawl shall include, but not be limited by:

(i) The existence of advertising, flyers, tickets or other printed or electronic material promoting or describing a planned pub crawl;

(ii) Organized, commercial transportation intended to move a total of fifty (50) or more individuals from one premise to another in an organized fashion; and

(iii) Evidence of compensation paid to an organizer by participants in a pub crawl. The department of business regulation is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations consistent with this section.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a licensee from offering free food or entertainment at any time; or to prohibit licensees from including an alcoholic beverage as part of a meal package; or to prohibit the sale or delivery of wine by the bottle or carafe when sold with meals or to more than one person; or to prohibit free wine tastings. Except as otherwise limited by this section, nothing contained in this section shall limit or may restrict the price which may be charged by any licensee for any size alcoholic beverage to be consumed on the licensed premises.

(d) Adherence to this section is deemed to be a condition attached to the issuance and/or continuation of every license to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises, and this section shall be enforced by the applicable local licensing authority, its agents, and the department.

(e) The provisions of this section are deemed to be severable and any final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction holding that any provision of this section is void, shall not make void nor affect any of the remaining provisions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-6.3 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-6.3
§ 3-8-6.3. Manufacture or distribution of fraudulent identification cards or licenses to operate a motor vehicle.
Status: in_force

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture or distribute a fraudulent identification card, as defined in §§ 11-18-20.1 and 3-8-6, or a fraudulent license to operate a motor vehicle.

(b) Each incident of manufacturing or distributing a fraudulent identification card or a fraudulent license to operate a motor vehicle shall be considered a separate and distinct offense.

(c) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a criminal violation and shall be subject to the following:

(1) For a first offense, a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500);

(2) For a second offense, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1000);

(3) For a third or subsequent offense, a fine of not more than two thousand dollars ($2000).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-13-4 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-13 / Section 3-13-4
§ 3-13-4. Cancellation of agreements  Good cause required.
Status: in_force

No supplier or wholesaler may cancel, fail to renew, or otherwise terminate an agreement unless the party intending that action has good cause for that action and, in any case in which prior notification is required under § 3-13-3, the party intending to act has furnished prior notification and the affected party has not corrected the conduct specified in that notification as the reason for cancellation, failure to renew, or termination, within the period specified in that notice.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-10 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-10
§ 3-6-10. Wholesalers license  Class B.
Status: in_force

(a) A wholesalers license, Class B, authorizes the holder to keep for sale and to sell malt and vinous beverages and distilled spirits at wholesale, at the place described in the license, to holders of licenses under this title within this state and to holders of wholesale licenses in other states and authorizes the transportation and delivery from the place of sale to those license holders or to a common carrier for that delivery. Sales by a wholesaler in this state to a holder of a wholesale license in another state shall be only to a wholesaler who is a distributor of the same brand of malt beverages, vinous beverages, and distilled spirits subject to permission by the state liquor control administrator. The license shall not authorize the sale of beverages for consumption on the premises where sold nor the sale of beverages for delivery outside this state in violation of the law of the place of delivery.

(b) The annual fee for the license is four thousand dollars ($4,000) prorated to the year ending December 1 in every calendar year, and shall be paid to the general treasurer for the use of the state whenever any malt beverages, vinous beverages, and distilled spirits are sold outside the state pursuant to this section. Refunds or credits of import fees previously paid on malt beverages, vinous beverages and distilled spirits shall be made to holders of wholesalers licenses under this title in accordance with regulations promulgated by the division of taxation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-16 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-12 / Section 3-12-16
§ 3-12-16. Allegations in criminal proceedings.
Status: in_force

In any action, complaint and warrant, information, indictment, or other proceeding, against any person for a violation of any of the provisions of this title, it is not necessary to set forth the kind or quantity of beverage, or the time of the sale or manufacturer of the beverage; but proof of the violation of any of the provisions of this title, the substance of which is briefly set forth, within the times mentioned, by the person complained of, shall be good and sufficient. In order to convict any person of a second, third or any subsequent offense under any of the provisions of this title, it is requisite in any action, complaint and warrant, indictment, or other proceeding against any person for a violation of the provisions of this title to set forth a record of a former conviction or former convictions, with the date or dates of that former conviction or convictions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-14-5 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-14 / Section 3-14-5
§ 3-14-5. Defendants.
Status: in_force

The following persons who commit an act giving rise to liability, as provided in § 3-14-6, may be made defendants to a claim under this chapter:

(1) An alcoholic beverage retail licensee, and any employee or agent of this licensee; or

(2) Any person who, at the time of an act giving rise to liability, as provided in § 3-14-6, was required by law to have had an alcoholic beverage retail license under chapter 7 of this title and any employee or agent of that person.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-16.9 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-16.9
§ 3-7-16.9. Class WB license.
Status: in_force

(a) A retailers Class WB license authorizes the holder of the license to purchase from a licensed wholesaler a minimum of five hundred (500) gallons of wine, up to a maximum of two thousand (2,000) gallons of wine per year, for use in the wholesale manufacture of wine biscuits.

(b) This license is subject to all the provisions of this title and the wine purchased pursuant to this license may only be used for the wholesale manufacture of wine biscuits.

(c) Provided, that as a further condition of holding a license under this section, the holder of said license shall annually, no later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the twelve-month (12) period after the date the license was acquired, provide the department of business regulation, on a form prescribed by the department, the actual amount of wine purchased during the reporting period. In addition to any other information the department may require, the form shall be signed and dated by the individual or representative of the entity whose name appears on the license, along with the name and address of the wholesaler(s) where the wine was purchased. The department shall promulgate any additional rules or regulations necessary to enforce the provisions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-11 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-11
§ 3-7-11. Class D license.
Status: in_force

A retailers Class D license shall be issued only to a club or to any corporation organized prior to the year 1900 for purposes similar to those set forth in chapter 6 of title 7, and which has held a Class D license for at least ten (10) consecutive years prior to July 1, 1993, and authorizes the holder of the license to keep for sale and to sell beverages at the place described at retail and to deliver those beverages for consumption on the premises where sold. The license authorizes the holder of the license to keep for sale and sell beverages, including beer in cans, at retail at the place described and to deliver those beverages for consumption on the premises. If a club is not the owner or, for the period of two (2) years before the filing of its application for a license, the lessee of the premises where its principal activities are carried on or of kitchen and dining room equipment in the club premises reasonably adequate to supply its members and guests with food, then the license shall authorize the holder of the license to keep for sale and sell malt and vinous beverages, but not beverages consisting in whole or in part of alcohol produced by distillation. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, with the written permission of the local authority, the licensee may supply food and beverage to the public for consumption on the premises at times determined by the holder of the license. The annual fee for the license to sell beverages shall be not more than eight hundred dollars ($800) and for the license to sell malt and vinous beverages only shall be not more than four hundred dollars ($400), in each case prorated to the year ending December 1 in every calendar year determined by each local municipality; provided, further, a municipality may establish separate and lower annual fees for Class D licenses for veterans halls with a capacity of not more than one hundred (100) persons.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-10 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-12 / Section 3-12-10
§ 3-12-10. Return of goods when forfeiture not adjudged.
Status: in_force

If the cause of forfeiture is not proved, then all the seized beverages and the vessels containing them shall be restored to the proper owner or to the place from which they were taken by the officer who seized them.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-11.3 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-11.3
§ 3-8-11.3. Agency or misrepresentation no defense.
Status: in_force

It is no defense to a prosecution for a violation of § 3-8-11.2, that in the transaction upon which the prosecution is based, any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday acted as the agent or representative of another, or that the defendant dealt with any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday as the agent or representative of another, or that any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday misrepresented or misstated his or her age, or the age of any other person or misrepresented his or her age through the presentation of any of the documents set forth in of § 3-8-6(a)(3).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-25 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-25
§ 3-7-25. Sanitary conditions for dispensing of malt beverages or wine.
Status: in_force

(a) Beer or wine pipe lines, faucets and barrel-tapping devices used for the dispensing of malt beverages or wine in places where the dispensing is carried on by licensees under this chapter shall be cleaned at least once every four (4) weeks by the use of a hydraulic pressure mechanism, hand-pump suction or a force cleaner or other system approved by the department or shall be permanently kept clean by a device approved by the department. After cleaning, the lines shall be rinsed with clear water until all chemicals, if any have been used, are removed. The cleaning equipment must be operated in conformance with the manufacturers recommendations.

(b) A record, the form of which shall be approved by the department, shall be used to record the dates and the methods used in cleaning of beer or wine pipe lines, coils, tubes and appurtenances. This record shall be signed by the person who performs the cleaning operation and countersigned by the licensee. The records shall be kept on the licensed premises for a period of one year from the date of the last entry and made available at all times for inspection by health enforcement and law enforcement officers.

(c) [Deleted by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 20, § 1].
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-13 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-13
§ 3-7-13. Class E license.
Status: in_force

A retailers Class E license authorizes a person entitled to retail, compound, and dispense medicines and poisons to keep for sale and to sell at the place described in the license, beverages not to exceed one quart each for medicinal purposes and only upon the prescription of a licensed practicing physician. The license shall not authorize the doing of any act in violation of any law of the United States. The annual fee for the license is ten dollars ($10.00) to two hundred dollars ($200).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-2-5 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-2 / Section 3-2-5
§ 3-2-5. Administration of oaths  Subpoena power  False swearing.
Status: in_force

(a) The superintendents of the bureaus of importation and inspection are authorized to administer oaths in matters on formal hearing before them and also in connection with any matter having to do with the performance of their duties.

(b) The department in all cases before it is authorized and empowered to summon witnesses by subpoena signed by the director of the department and to compel those witnesses to attend and testify in the same manner as in either the supreme or the superior courts.

(c) The department is authorized to compel the production of all papers, books, documents, records, certificates or other legal evidence that may be necessary for the determination and the decision of any question or the discharge of any duty required by law of the department, by issuing a subpoena duces tecum signed by the director. Any person who disobeys that writ is considered in contempt of the department, and the department may punish that and any other contempt of its authority in the same manner as contempts may be punished in either the supreme or the superior court.

(d) Any person who willfully swears falsely in any proceeding, matter or hearing before the department is guilty of the crime of perjury.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-10-19 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-10 / Section 3-10-19
§ 3-10-19. Refunds on import orders not filled.
Status: in_force

Whenever these import orders shall not be filled after the tax in connection with these import orders has been paid, the general treasurer shall, upon receiving any proof, as may be satisfactory to the department of business regulation, refund the amount of the tax to the person by whom it was paid.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-3 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-3
§ 3-7-3. Class A license  Towns and cities of 10,000 or more.
Status: in_force

(a) In cities and towns having a population of ten thousand (10,000) or more inhabitants, a retailers Class A license authorizes the holder to keep for sale and to sell, at the place described, beverages at retail and to deliver the beverages in a sealed package or container, which package or container shall not be opened nor its contents consumed on the premises where sold. The holder of a Class A license, if other than a person entitled to retail, compound, and dispense medicines and poisons, shall not on the licensed premises engage in any other business, keep for sale or sell any goods, wares, merchandise or any other article or thing except the beverages authorized under this license and nonalcoholic beverages. This provision shall not apply to the sale or selling of cigarettes, newspapers, cigars, cigarette lighters, gift bags, prepackaged peanuts, pretzels, chips, olives, onions, cherries, hot stuffed cherry peppers, Slim Jims and similar pre-packaged dried meat products, pickled eggs, popcorn, pre-packaged candy, styrofoam cooler, lemons, limes, and ice, nor to home bar accessories such as pourers, glasses, cork screws, stirrers, flasks, jiggers, wine racks, ice crushers, bottle openers, can openers and any other items of like nature which may, by suitable regulation of the director of business regulation, be authorized to be sold. A holder of a Class A license will not be prohibited from providing ATM machines to the general public for use on its licensed premises. This section shall not apply to promotional free goods which are subject to approval by the director. In the city of Newport this license may be issued to any person, firm or corporation who are owners of bona fide markets for the sale of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with and in addition to the sale of meats or groceries in those bona fide markets. A person, firm or corporation in that city may obtain a limited Class A license to sell beer, lager and ale on the same premises as other goods, wares, merchandise and articles are sold. No Class A license is granted for any premises unless the premises constitute a separate store, the entrance or entrances to which shall be exclusively from the street or streets or arcade. This provision shall not apply to any person, firm or corporation in the city of Newport who are owners of bona fide markets for the sale of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with and in addition to the sale of meats or groceries in those bona fide markets and as long as the market is owned and operated by the mother, father, son, daughter, brother or sister of the original licensee, but not otherwise.

(b) The premises shall have opaque walls which shall completely partition and sever the premises from any adjoining market, concession or business. This provision shall not be construed to limit the powers of the department to issue licenses on condition nor to make rules and regulations as provided. The annual fee for a Class A license is five hundred dollars ($500) to one thousand dollars ($1,000) prorated to the year ending December 1st in every calendar year.

(c) Any licenses issued under the provisions of this section prior to May 8, 1964 remains in full force and effect.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-25 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-25
§ 3-5-25. Antiunion discrimination.
Status: in_force

If the department determines that any licensee under this title has discriminated against any employee because that employee is or has become a member of any trade union, the licensee shall forfeit his or her license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-13 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-13
§ 3-5-13. Consumption of distilled liquors on premises.
Status: in_force

Licenses to be issued under this chapter shall in no case authorize the sale for consumption on the premises where sold of distilled liquors, or of beverages composed wholly or partly of those liquors, unless these sales are authorized by this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-24 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-24
§ 3-5-24. Licensee becoming bail.
Status: in_force

If any person holding a license under this title becomes bail for any person complained of for violating any of the provisions of this title, his or her license becomes void as of the day of becoming bail.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-1
§ 3-6-1. Manufacturers license.
Status: in_force

(a) A manufacturers license authorizes the holder to establish and operate a brewery, distillery, or winery at the place described in the license for the manufacture of beverages within this state. The license does not authorize more than one of the activities of operator of a brewery or distillery or winery and a separate license shall be required for each plant.

(b) The license also authorizes the sale at wholesale, at the licensed place by the manufacturer of the product of the licensed plant, to another license holder and the transportation and delivery from the place of sale to a licensed place or to a common carrier for that delivery. The license does authorize the sale of beverages for consumption on premises where sold; provided that the manufacturer does not sell an amount in excess of forty-eight ounces (48 oz.) of malt beverage or four and one-half ounces (4.5 oz.) of distilled spirits, or fifteen ounces (15 oz.) of wine per visitor, per day, or a combination not greater than three (3) drinks where a drink is defined as up to sixteen ounces (16 oz.) of beer or one and one-half ounces (1.5 oz.) or five ounces (5 oz.) of wine of spirits, for consumption on the premises. The license also authorizes the sale of beverages produced on the premises in an amount not in excess of forty-eight (48) twelve-ounce (12 oz.) bottles or cans or forty-eight (48) sixteen-ounce (16 oz.) bottles or cans of malt beverages, or one thousand five hundred milliliters (1,500 ml) of distilled spirits per visitor, or three (3) seven hundred fifty milliliter (750 ml) bottles of wine or the equivalent amount of wine sold by the can or other container, per day, to be sold in containers that may hold no more than seventy-two ounces (72 oz.) each. These beverages may be sold to the consumers for off-premises consumption, and shall be sold pursuant to the laws governing retail Class A establishments. The containers for the sale of beverages for off-premises consumption shall be sealed. The license does not authorize the sale of beverages in this state for delivery outside this state in violation of the law of the place of delivery. The license holder may provide to visitors, in conjunction with a tour or tasting, samples, clearly marked as samples, not to exceed three hundred seventy-five milliliters (375 ml) per visitor for distilled spirits and seventy-two ounces (72 oz.) per visitor for malt beverages at the licensed plant by the manufacturer of the product of the licensed plant to visitors for off-premises consumption. The license does not authorize providing samples to a visitor of any alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption that are not manufactured at the licensed plant. All manufacturer licenses conducting retail sales or providing samples shall be subject to compliance with alcohol server training and liquor liability insurance requirements set forth in §§ 3-7-6.1 and 3-7-29 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(c) The annual fee for the license is three thousand dollars ($3,000) for a distillery producing more than fifty thousand gallons (50,000 gal.) per year and five hundred dollars ($500) for a distillery producing less than or equal to fifty thousand gallons (50,000 gal.) per year; five hundred dollars ($500) for a brewery; and one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) for a winery producing more than fifty thousand gallons (50,000 gal.) per year and five hundred dollars ($500) per year for a winery producing less than fifty thousand gallons (50,000 gal.) per year. All those fees are prorated to the year ending December 1 in every calendar year and shall be paid to the general treasurer for the use of the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-10-12 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-10 / Section 3-10-12
§ 3-10-12. Sale of distillery and winery products  Records of wholesalers.
Status: in_force

Sale of the products of a distillery or a winery shall be made only to holders of wholesale licenses under this title. Every wholesaler shall keep separate accounts of the business conducted under his or her license in any form as shall be approved by the department of business regulation. The accounts shall be open to inspection by the department at all reasonable times.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-11.4 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-11.4
§ 3-8-11.4. Report of convictions involving altered or fraudulent drivers license.
Status: in_force

Upon final conviction of any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday of having used an altered or fraudulent drivers license for the purposes of causing the sale to him, her, or another of alcoholic beverages, the clerk of the court having jurisdiction of the cause shall, within ten (10) days of the time when the case is disposed of, cause to be sent to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles an abstract of the record of disposition of the case.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-14.2 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-14.2
§ 3-7-14.2. Class P licenses  Caterers.
Status: in_force

(a) A caterer licensed by the department of health and the division of taxation shall be eligible to apply for a Class P license from the department of business regulation. The department of business regulation is authorized to issue all caterers licenses. The license will be valid throughout this state as a state license and no further license will be required or tax imposed by any city or town upon this alcoholic beverage privilege. Each caterer to which the license is issued shall pay to the department of business regulation an annual fee of five hundred dollars ($500) for the license, which fees are paid into the state treasury. The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of this license. In promulgating said rules, the department shall include, but is not limited to, the following standards:

(1) Proper identification will be required for individuals who look thirty (30) years old or younger and who are ordering alcoholic beverages;

(2) Only valid IDs as defined by these titles are acceptable;

(3) An individual may not be served more than two (2) drinks at a time;

(4) Licensees, their agents, or employees will not serve visibly intoxicated individuals;

(5) Licensees may only serve alcoholic beverages for no more than a five-hour (5) period per event;

(6) Only a licensee, or its employees, may serve alcoholic beverages at the event;

(7) The licensee will deliver and remove alcoholic beverages to the event; and

(8) No shots or triple alcoholic drinks will be served.

(b) Any bartender employed by the licensee shall be certified by a nationally recognized alcohol beverage server training program.

(c) The licensee shall purchase at retail all alcoholic beverages from a licensed Class A alcohol retail establishment located in the state, provided, however, any licensee who also holds a Class B license, issued pursuant to the provisions of § 3-7-7, shall be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages at wholesale. Any person violating this section shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) for this violation and shall be subject to license revocation. The provisions of this section shall be enforced in accordance with this title.

(d) Violation of subsection (a) of this section is punishable upon conviction by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500). Fines imposed under this section shall be paid to the department of business regulation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-7.3 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-7.3
§ 3-7-7.3. Class B licenses  Restriction on entertainment.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or in the Rhode Island general laws to the contrary, in the case of any city or town that issues any retailers Class B license, this city or town may restrict or prohibit entertainment at these licensed facilities, in accordance with objective standards adopted by the municipality and approved by the department of business regulation, provided that any standard shall be applied uniformly to all of these licensed facilities.

(b) The licensing board for the city of Providence is authorized to immediately suspend or revoke the license or exercise other remedies, in accordance with proper due process owed to the licensee, with respect to:

(1) Any Class B licensee that provides entertainment without an entertainment license issued by the city of Providence pursuant to its authority under chapter 22 of title 5; and/or

(2) Any Class B licensee that engages in activities exceeding those permitted by a Class B license, unless such licensee has obtained any additional license permitting such activities, including, but not limited to, a Class N license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-10-8 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-10 / Section 3-10-8
§ 3-10-8. Collection of delinquent taxes  Suspension of license.
Status: in_force

If the tax provided for by this chapter is not paid to the general treasurer within fifteen (15) days after the tax becomes due and payable, the general treasurer, attorney general, and other officials shall proceed to collect the tax in the same manner as they are directed in other cases to proceed under § 44-13-33. In addition to the procedure above directed, the general treasurer shall, if the tax remains unpaid for the period of thirty (30) days after the tax becomes due and payable, certify the fact of delinquency to the department of business regulation, and it is the duty of that department to immediately notify the delinquent that in case the tax is not paid to the general treasurer within ten (10) days after the giving of the notice, the license of the delinquent will be and remain suspended until all delinquent taxes of the licensee are paid. Upon the expiration of that ten (10) days the department shall, in case all the licensees taxes as provided for have not been paid, suspend the license of the delinquent until all of those taxes are paid in full.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-7.6 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-7.6
§ 3-7-7.6. Casino license  Class B-C.
Status: in_force

(a) A Class B-C license shall be issued only to a holder of a gaming and entertainment license that is authorized to operate twenty-four (24) hours a day.

(b) The license authorizes the holder to keep for sale and sell beverages, including beer in cans, at retail at the place described and to deliver them for consumption on the premises or place where sold. It also authorizes the charging of an admission to events at the gaming and entertainment facility.

(c) The license authorizes the holder to sell and serve alcoholic beverages between the hours of six oclock (6:00) a.m. and two oclock (2:00) a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and nights before federal and state legally recognized holidays. The fee for a Class B-C license shall be two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).

(d) The applicant for a Class B-C license shall submit the following to its host municipality:

(1) The applicant holds a valid and enforceable Class B-V license that is in good standing.

(2) The applicant is a licensed gaming and entertainment establishment that is authorized to operate twenty-four (24) hours a day.

(3) The applicant provides a twenty-four-hour (24) security plan to the chief of police or other appropriate law enforcement official for the host municipality.

(4) The security plan shall set forth a protocol for communication with the host municipalitys police department and for updating the plan, as necessary.

(e) In the event that the host municipality grants a Class B-C license, the licensee shall exchange its existing Class B-V license for the Class B-C license.

(f) Upon receipt of the proper permits from the local licensing board, holders of Class B-C licenses are permitted to have dances, entertainment, and food service within the licensed premises to be conducted during the hours permitted for sale and service of alcoholic beverages.

(g) A holder of a Class B-C license, upon approval of the department of business regulations and the local licensing board, may serve alcoholic beverages as part of an event that may not be specifically set forth in § 3-7-26(c). The holder of the Class B-C license must secure approval for any such promotional event first from the department of business regulation liquor control administration and then from the local licensing board upon establishing a specific security protocol for the event.

(h) Notwithstanding any provisions in the department of business regulation liquor control administration regulations, rule 18, it shall be lawful for the holder of a Class B-C license to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages at any time as long as the subject alcoholic beverage was purchased during legal service hours.

(i) To the extent that there is no conflict with the provisions of § 3-7-7.6, the provisions of § 3-7-7 shall apply to a holder of a Class B-C license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-1.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-1.1
§ 3-6-1.1. Farmer-winery licenses  Fee.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of encouraging the development of domestic vineyards, the department shall issue a farmer-winery license to any applicant of the state and to applying partnerships and to applying corporations organized under the laws of any other state of the United States and admitted to do business in this state.

(b) A winegrower may operate a farmers winery under any conditions the department may prescribe by regulation.

(c) A winegrower may import fruit, flowers, herbs, and vegetables to produce not more than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) gallons of wine during his or her first year of operation, not more than five thousand (5,000) gallons during his or her second year of operation, not more than two thousand five hundred (2,500) gallons during his or her third year of operation and not more than one thousand (1,000) gallons per year thereafter.

(d) If a winegrower suffers crop failure in his or her vineyard in a particular year to the extent that the fruit yield from his or her vineyard that year is at least twenty-five percent (25%) below the average yield for the previous two (2) years, the winegrower may import fruit into the state during that year in an amount equal to the difference between the current years yield and the average for the previous two (2) years. A winegrower shall not import unfermented juice, wine or alcohol into the state.

(e) A winegrower may sell wine or winery products under his or her label and fermented by him or her or another winegrower licensed by the state. He or she may sell wine or winery products:

(1) At wholesale to any person holding a valid license to manufacture alcoholic beverages;

(2) At wholesale to any person holding a valid wholesalers and importers license under §§ 3-6-9  3-6-11;

(3) At wholesale to any person holding a valid farmer-winery license under this section;

(4) At retail by the bottle to consumers for consumption off the winery premises; provided, however a winegrower shall not sell wine at retail for delivery off the site of the winery premises in Rhode Island directly to Rhode Island residents, except in the manner provided for like sales and shipment in § 3-4-8.

(5) At wholesale to any person in any state or territory in which the importation and sale of wine is not prohibited by law;

(6) At wholesale to any person in any foreign country;

(7) At wholesale to liquor dealers holding a valid license under the provisions of title 3;

(8) At wholesale to restaurants holding a valid license under the provisions of title 3; and

(9) At retail by the bottle or by the glass for consumption on the winery premises.

(f) A winegrower may not sell at retail to consumers any wine or winery product not fermented in the state and sold under the brand name of the winery.

(g) A winegrower may serve complimentary samples of wine produced by the winery where the wine is fermented in the state and sold under the winery brand name.

(h) All wines sold by a licensee shall be sold under any conditions and with any labels or other marks to identify the producer as the department may prescribe.

(i) Every applicant for a farmer-winery license shall, at the time of filing an application, pay a license fee based on a reasonable estimate of the amount of wine to be produced during the year covered by the license. Persons holding farmer-winery licenses shall report annually at the end of the year covered by the license the amount of wine produced during that year. If the total amount of wine produced during the year is less than the amount permitted by the fee already paid, the state shall reimburse the licensee for whatever fee was paid in excess. If the total amount of wine produced during the year exceeds the amount permitted by the fee already paid, the licensee shall pay whatever additional fee is owing.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-11-3 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-11 / Section 3-11-3
§ 3-11-3. Actions for beverages unlawfully sold.
Status: in_force

No action of any kind shall be had or maintained in any court of this state for the value of any beverage drunk upon the premises of the seller or for the possession or value of any beverages held, purchased, or sold contrary to this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-18 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-18
§ 3-5-18. Signature on licenses  Posting and exhibition.
Status: in_force

(a) All retail licenses issued under chapter 7 of this title shall bear the signature, or electronic signature, of the clerk of the licensing board, body, or officials issuing them, and shall not be printed, stamped, typewritten, engraved, photographed, or cut from one instrument and attached to another and shall be displayed by the licensee, on the premises, and shall be exhibited on demand to any deputy sheriff, to any city or town sergeant, constable, officer or member of the city or town police or to any member of the department of state police or agent of the department.

(b) All retail licenses shall be displayed within the premises but need not be posted. The license shall be exhibited to any deputy sheriff of the county, to any city or town sergeant, constable, officer or member of the city or town police or to any member of the department of state police or agent of the department who request proof that the establishment is duly licensed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-16.2 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-16.2
§ 3-7-16.2. Class K ancient tavern license.
Status: in_force

(a) The local licensing board has the power to grant and may grant on request by the legal owners of any building which has had a public and continuous use and license as a tavern for ten (10) years or more prior to 1730 A.D. (and which building is located on the same spot where the license was then effective) an ancient tavern license, effective only for the premises described above, and the license grants the following privileges:

(1) The right to sell for consumption on the premises alcoholic beverages of all kinds as adjuncts to meals to patrons sitting at tables.

(2) The right to open at any time after eight in the morning (8:00 a.m.) and to remain open until the closing hours established by the local board of license commissioners for other licensed places or to close at any time earlier than that set time for closing, if the owners shall elect.

(b) The holding of the ancient tavern license is subject, as to matters of order and police, to the same rules as prevail for other licensed places in that locality and as to matters of health and sanitation, is subject to the same rules and requirements as prevail for other licensed places in that locality.

(c) The owners of any building described in subsection (a) receiving an ancient tavern license shall pay each year to the municipality in which it is located six hundred dollars ($600) for the license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-11 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-11
§ 3-5-11. Licensing of chain stores.
Status: in_force

(a) Licenses, except retailers Class E, Class B, Class B-H, Class B-L, Class B-M, and Class B-V licenses, authorized by this title shall not be granted, issued, or transferred to or for the use of any chain store organization, which term shall consist of any chain of retail or wholesale business or business organizations, and more specifically defined herein, including, without limitation, grocery stores, markets, department stores, and convenience stores, as well as retailers of alcoholic beverages, and which include chains in which one or more stores are located outside of the state.

(b) The term chain store organization is defined to include, but not limited to:

(1) Any group of one or more holders of Class A liquor licenses who engage in one or more of the following practices with respect to the business conducted under such licenses, either directly or indirectly, or have any direct or indirect beneficial interest in the following practices:

(i) Common, group, centralized or coordinated purchases of wholesale merchandise.

(ii) Common billing or utilization of the services of the same person or the same entity in the management or operation of more than one liquor licensed business.

(iii) Participation in a coordinated or common advertisement with one or more liquor licensed business in any advertising media.

(iv) Coordinated or common planning or implementation of marketing strategies.

(v) Participation in agreed upon or common pricing of products.

(vi) Any term or name identified as a chain or common entity.

(2) Any group of one or more liquor license holders who share any of the following common features, either directly or indirectly or acquire any direct or indirect beneficial interest in the following practices:

(i) The same director of a corporation, member of a LLC, LLP, partner in a general or limited partnership, trustee or beneficiary of a trust.

(ii) The same individual or corporate owners.

(3) Any group of one or more license holders that is found to be a chain store organization as a factual matter by the department, as a result of an evidentiary hearing in connection with any application for the issuance, grant or transfer of a license, or upon the filing of a complaint by any member of the public.

(4) Upon a finding of violation of this section, the department shall be empowered to set a fine up to the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violating licensee, revoke the license of the violator, or suspend the license of the violator for a period of time to be determined by the department. Additionally, the department shall issue a cease and desist order against the violating chain store entity(s) and may further order the dissolution of the violating chain store entity(s).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-4 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-4
§ 3-6-4. Practices requiring rectifiers license.
Status: in_force

Any person who rectifies, purifies, refines or blends distilled spirits or wines by any process, other than by original and continuous distillation from mash, wort, or wash, through continuous closed vessels and pipes until the manufacture is complete, and every wholesale or retail licensee who has in his or her possession any still or leach tub, or who keeps any other apparatus for the purpose of refining in any manner distilled spirits and wines, and any person who without rectifying, purifying or refining distilled spirits mixes such spirits, wines or other liquor with any material, manufactures any spurious, imitation or compound liquors for sale under the name of whiskey, brandy, gin, rum, wine, spirits, cordials or wine bitters, or any other name, is regarded as a rectifier engaged in the business of rectifying. Nothing in this section shall be held to prohibit the purifying or refining of spirits in the course of original and continuous distillation through any material which will not remain incorporated with those spirits when the manufacture of the spirits is complete.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-13-9 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-13 / Section 3-13-9
§ 3-13-9. Sales territories exclusive.
Status: in_force

No supplier who, pursuant to an agreement with a wholesaler, has designated a sales territory for which a wholesaler is primarily responsible or in which a wholesaler is required to concentrate its efforts shall enter into an agreement with any other wholesaler for the purpose of establishing an additional wholesaler for any of its brands, including any brand or brands introduced after the effective date of the agreement, in all or part of the same territory.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-13-6 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-13 / Section 3-13-6
§ 3-13-6. Transfer of business assets of stock.
Status: in_force

(a) No supplier shall, by the terms of an agreement or otherwise, unreasonably withhold or delay approval of any assignment, sale, or transfer of the stock of a wholesaler or all or any portion of a wholesalers assets, wholesalers voting stock, the voting stock of any parent corporation, or the beneficial ownership or control of any other entity owning or controlling a wholesaler, including the wholesalers rights and obligations under the terms of an agreement whenever the person or persons to be substituted meet reasonable and express standards imposed not only upon the wholesaler but upon all other wholesalers of a supplier generally.

(b) Upon the death of one of the partners of a partnership operating the business of a wholesaler, no supplier shall deny the surviving partner or partners of that partnership the right to become a successor-in-interest to the agreement between the supplier and that partnership; provided the survivor has been active in the management of the partnership and is otherwise capable of carrying on the business of the partnership.

(c) A wholesaler shall not transfer or agree to transfer any of its rights and obligations under the terms of any agreement without first giving prior notice to the supplier.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-16.5 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-16.5
§ 3-7-16.5. Class M License.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, the local licensing board of the Town of North Providence has the power to grant and may grant on request, a license for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages at such location on Mineral Spring Avenue between Woodward Road and Terry Street which has been formally and most recently utilized as a restaurant. The license may be granted to the owner, lessee or to other person, firm, or corporation in possession of the aforesaid property. The class M license grants the following privileges:

(1) The right to keep for sale and to sell beverages at retail at the place described in the license and to deliver those beverages for consumption on the premises.

(2) The annual fee for the license is the same as a class B license in the town and is payable to the town where the licensed premises are located.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-13-5 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-13 / Section 3-13-5
§ 3-13-5. Prohibited conduct.
Status: in_force

No supplier shall:

(1) Induce or coerce, or attempt to induce or coerce, any wholesaler to accept delivery of any malt beverage or any other item or commodity which has not been ordered by the wholesaler. Provided, that recommendation, endorsement, exposition, persuasion, or argument is not deemed to constitute inducements, coercion, or requirements prohibited by this section.

(2) Induce or coerce, or attempt to induce or coerce, any wholesaler to engage in any illegal act or course of conduct or to resign from an agreement by means of any threat, expressed or implied, to cancel, fail to renew, otherwise terminate an agreement, any requirement imposed on the wholesaler pursuant to an agreement or any contract or other arrangement ancillary or collateral to these.

(3) Require a wholesaler to assent to any requirement, condition, understanding, or term of an agreement limiting the wholesalers right to sell the product of any other supplier.

(4) Fix or maintain the price at which a wholesaler may resell malt beverages, whether by the terms or requirements imposed on the wholesaler under an agreement, the manner of their enforcement, or otherwise.

(5) Impose, attempt to impose, or enforce against a wholesaler any requirement, standard of performance, or term, including the terms of sale of malt beverages sold to the wholesaler, which is discriminatory as compared with the requirements, standards, or terms imposed by the supplier on other similarly situated wholesalers within this state. Differences in any requirement, standard, or term imposed by a supplier under its agreement or in the manner of their enforcement are permitted only if and to the extent they are based on proper and justifiable distinctions considering the purposes of this chapter, and are not arbitrary.

(6) Fail to provide to each wholesaler of its brands after May 22, 1982 a written contract which conforms to this chapter and embodies the suppliers agreement with its wholesalers, including the essential requirements, standards of performance, and terms imposed by the supplier. In the event of failure to provide that written contract, any agreement in existence upon May 22, 1982 must conform to this chapter and is subject to this chapter until the written contract is provided.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-14 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-14
§ 3-6-14. Certificate of compliance.
Status: in_force

(a) As conditions precedent to transporting, or causing to be transported, distilled spirits, malt beverages, and vinous beverages into this state for storage, sale, or consumption in this state, any person, firm, or corporation located in another state shall first obtain a certificate of compliance from the department.

(b) The certificate of compliance shall be issued upon the condition that the holder furnishes from time to time, as the department may require, but in no event more often than once each month, information concerning all shipments or sales of distilled spirits, malt beverages, and vinous beverages made into this state. The holder must also furnish information concerning the brand, type of container, quantity, and other information that may be required by the department. The department is empowered to promulgate any rules and regulations that may be necessary for the enforcement of this subsection.

(c) As a condition precedent to the issuance of and during the term of a certificate, the holder shall comply with the provisions of this title, and all rules and regulations promulgated under authority of this title.

(d) The department may suspend, cancel, or revoke any certificate of compliance for violation of the terms or conditions of the certificate.

(e) The certificate of compliance shall contain on its face a list of those distilled spirits, malt beverages, and vinous beverages transported or caused to be transported into this state by the holder of the certificate.

(f) The annual fee for the certificate of compliance is forty dollars ($40.00) for each and every brand, blend, mixture, variety, type, kind, and class of distilled spirits, malt beverages, and vinous beverages. The annual fee, prorated to the year ending December 1st in every calendar year, is paid to the department, and deposited as general revenues. The department may fix a flat fee per gallon instead of the annual fee for any of the above categories where the application for a certificate of compliance contains an affidavit that less than twenty-five (25) gallons of the category involved will be imported during the year for which filed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-4-3 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-4 / Section 3-4-3
§ 3-4-3. Importation and payments by division of taxation.
Status: in_force

The division of taxation may arrange for the importation and payment of the sale price of the imported article. In case it does so, it shall cause the importation to be made in a manner that it will have an opportunity to examine and inspect the articles imported. All sums paid to the division of taxation, excepting sums for the payment of the sale price, shall be turned over to the general treasurer for the use of the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-14-8 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-14 / Section 3-14-8
§ 3-14-8. Damages.
Status: in_force

(a) Damages may be awarded for all injuries recognized under Rhode Island common or statutory law.

(b) Punitive damages may be awarded in all actions based on reckless conduct, as set forth in § 3-14-7(c). Punitive damages may not be awarded for actions based on negligent conduct, as set forth in § 3-14-6(c).

(c) Damages may be recovered under chapter 7 of title 10 and § 10-7-8, as in other tort actions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-21 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-21
§ 3-5-21. Revocation or suspension of licenses  Fines for violating conditions of license.
Status: in_force

(a) Every license is subject to revocation or suspension and a licensee is subject to fine by the board, body, or official issuing the license, or by the department or by the division of taxation, on its own motion, for:

(1) Breach by the holder of the license of the conditions on which it was issued; or

(2) Violation by the holder of the license of any rule or regulation applicable; or

(3) Any fraudulent act or material misrepresentation made by an applicant for a license or a licensee, including, but not limited to, any misrepresentation of information upon which the licensing board reasonably relies in rendering any decision concerning a license, licensee, or establishment; or

(4) Breach of any provisions of this chapter; or

(5) Operating in any manner inconsistent with the license, or in any manner consistent with another class license, without first coming before the board for a new license application.

(b) Any fine imposed pursuant to this section shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for the first offense and shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each subsequent offense. For the purposes of this section, any offense committed by a licensee three (3) years after a previous offense shall be considered a first offense.

(c) In the event that a licensee is required to hire a police detail and the police refuse to place a detail at the location because a licensee has failed to pay outstanding police detail bills or to reach a payment plan agreement with the police department, the license board may prohibit the licensee from opening its place of business until such time as the police detail bills are paid or a payment plan agreement is reached.

(d) Upon any violation by a licensee under § 3-5-21, the local licensing board, at its sole discretion, may impose a limitation on the hours of operation of the licensee, regardless of the license type, and notwithstanding any prior approval of an application for a later closing time.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-13-8 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-13 / Section 3-13-8
§ 3-13-8. Sale of supplier.
Status: in_force

Except for discontinuance of all sales of a brand or brands in this state or for good cause, any person who purchases a supplier becomes obligated to all of the terms of any agreement in effect on the date of purchase. The acquiring supplier is not obligated to supply its brand or brands to the wholesalers of the acquired supplier. Nothing prevents the parties from negotiating a new agreement consistent with the provisions of this chapter. The term purchase includes, but is not limited to, a purchase of stock, purchase of assets, lease, merger, or any other reorganization, consolidation, or acquisition of a supplier.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-5 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-5
§ 3-7-5. Class A license issued to Class E licensee.
Status: in_force

It is permissible for the holder of a retailers Class E license to hold a retailers Class A license. No Class A license shall be granted to a holder of a Class E license unless the holder of a Class E license maintains, operates, manages, or conducts a drugstore. The drugstore shall be operated as a self-contained and independent establishment and shall not be located in, or be operated as, a part of any market, department store, or hardware store. For a Class A license as described, the holder of a Class E license shall pay the regular annual license fee and have the full privilege of a Class A license. Provided, however, the licensing authority for the city of Providence may relieve the holder of a Class E license from the requirement to maintain, operate, manage, or conduct a drugstore as a condition of the continued holding of a Class A license, issued to or renewed by said licensee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-11.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-11.1
§ 3-7-11.1. Golf courses  Sale of alcoholic beverages.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 3-7-11, a club possessing a Class D or B-V (a class B license holder operating as a victualer) license and operating a golf course may, in addition to the place described in such license, be authorized to sell alcoholic beverages to its members and guests from mobile wagons or carts for consumption on the golf course; provided that all such sales must be made within the confines of the golf course.

(b) If the golf course shall be located in more than one contiguous city or town, then the other city or town, i.e. other than the one issuing the Class D or B-V license, may, upon application by the golf club, issue a Class D or B-V ancillary license, which shall permit sales from mobile wagons or carts upon that portion of the golf course located within the other city or town. Any violation of the provisions of title 3 will be prosecuted in the city or town where the violation occurred. The annual fee for such ancillary license shall be not more than four hundred dollars ($400) prorated to the year ending December 1 in every calendar year determined by each local municipality.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-7.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-7.1
§ 3-7-7.1. Class B-H license.
Status: in_force

(a) A retailers Class B-H license shall be issued only to a licensed hotel. The license authorizes the holder to keep for sale and sell beverages in containers of a minimum capacity of fifty milliliters (50 ml.) or one and seven tenths ounces (1.7 oz). The beverages shall be sold and served only in the room of a registered hotel guest. The beverages may be served in the hotel room at least from nine oclock (9:00) a.m. to seven oclock (7:00) p.m. No beverages shall be served in the hotel room after one oclock (1:00) a.m., nor before six oclock (6:00) a.m. The beverages may be sold only in the room of the registered hotel guest at any time.

(b) A Class B and B-H liquor license may be issued for the same licensed hotel, notwithstanding the provisions of § 3-5-9.

(c) The annual fee for this license shall be one hundred dollars ($100) to five hundred dollars ($500.00).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-3.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-3.1
§ 3-7-3.1. Class AT license.
Status: in_force

One retailers Class AT license may be issued within the state, by the local licensing authority of the city of Warwick to one person. This person shall be a lessee of retail space at the state airport found within the city of Warwick and this license authorizes the holder to keep for sale and to sell at retail, at the place described, beverages produced in this state and to deliver the beverages at room temperature in a sealed package or container, which package or container shall not be opened nor its contents consumed on the premises where sold. The person to whom the license is issued shall pay to the city of Warwick an annual fee of one hundred dollars ($100) for the license. The license expires one year from its date. No further license shall be required or tax levied by the city for the privilege of selling these beverages pursuant to a license issued under this section. The license is limited to the same days and hours of operation as the holder of a Class A license within the city of Warwick.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-4 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-4
§ 3-7-4. Proximity of Class A licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) Retailers Class A licenses under this chapter shall not be issued to authorize the sale of beverages in any store or place within two hundred feet (200²) measured by any public way of another premises holding a Class A license. Licenses presently issued to premises within two hundred feet (200²) of the premises where another Class A license is presently issued, may continue to be issued to those premises so long as those premises are in continuous operation under the license. Any transfer or removal from those premises of the license is subject to the provisions of this section. Where a proposed licensed place is upon the opposite side of the street from an existing license, the width of the street is to be disregarded in measuring the distance so as to ascertain if it is two hundred feet (200²) away from the premises.

(b) In the event that the building or land occupied by the holder of a retailers Class A license is taken in whole or in part by eminent domain or by other public authority, the board, body or official who issued the license may permit the license to be transferred to a store or place no closer than one hundred fifty feet (150²) measured by any public way of other premises holding a Class A license. A retailers Class A license may be issued to the premises so long as the premises are in continuous operation under the license. Where a proposed licensed place is upon the opposite side of the street from an existing license, the width of the street is to be disregarded in measuring the distance to ascertain if it is one hundred fifty feet (150²) away from those premises.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-9-7 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-9 / Section 3-9-7
§ 3-9-7. Forfeiture of impure or adulterated liquors.
Status: in_force

In addition to the penalties provided for keeping or for offering for sale, or for selling impure or adulterated liquors, all those impure or adulterated liquors and the casks, barrels, or other vessels containing those impure or adulterated liquors, are forfeited to the state, and the provisions of §§ 3-12-9  3-12-15 are made applicable as to authorize forfeitures of those impure or adulterated liquors and casks, barrels and other vessels containing those impure or adulterated liquors unlawfully possessed in the same manner as if those impure or adulterated liquors were mentioned in those sections.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-14 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-14
§ 3-7-14. Class F license.
Status: in_force

(a) A retailers Class F license authorizes the holder of the license to keep for sale and to sell malt and vinous beverages on the premises, described in the license, at retail for consumption on the premises where sold for a period of nineteen (19) hours, including Sunday. The license may be issued to religious organizations, state corporations, limited-liability companies (LLCs), sole proprietorships, and political organizations only and the sale of malt and vinous beverages may take place between the hours of six oclock (6:00) a.m. and one oclock (1:00) a.m. on the following day, provided that no more than twelve (12) licenses shall be issued to any organization, corporation, LLC, sole proprietorship, or political organization in any one calendar year; and provided further that, as to each such entity, this limit of twelve (12) licenses per calendar year shall apply collectively to the entity and its officers, directors, principals, affiliates, employees, and agents. Class F licenses shall not be granted to any person or entity holding any other liquor license. The fee for each retailers Class F license is fifteen dollars ($15.00).

(b) The issuing authority may, in its discretion, permit applicants to file a single annual application for issuance of up to twelve (12) event licenses for a calendar year and the authority may issue the licenses concurrently; provided that, each event license shall state the specific event date with which it is associated; and provided further that, the applicant shall pay the collective amount of the event license fees, fifteen dollars ($15.00) multiplied by the number of licenses issued, at the time of issuance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-12 / Section 3-12-1
§ 3-12-1. Duty of deputy sheriffs, town constables, and police officers  Action on taxpayers demand.
Status: in_force

Members of the division of sheriffs, the city and town sergeants, town constables, officers, members of the town or city police, and members of the division of state police are empowered and it is made their duty to see that the provisions of this title and the rules and regulations made or authorized by the department of business regulation and the division of taxation are enforced within their counties, towns, and cities. It is their special duty to use their utmost efforts to repress and prevent crime by the suppression of unlicensed liquor shops, gambling places, and houses of ill fame, and they shall also do so on the request of any taxpayer of any town or city and may command aid in the execution of the authority conferred. Any officer within the above enumeration who willfully neglects or refuses to perform the duties imposed upon him or her by this section shall be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) and be rendered ineligible again to be appointed to this position; provided, that the officer may after investigation, before taking any further action at the request of any taxpayer, demand that the taxpayer requesting him or her to act give a bond to secure to that officer reasonable compensation for his or her services and to protect him or her from all costs and damages that may arise from that action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-10-4 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-10 / Section 3-10-4
§ 3-10-4. Monthly returns by manufacturers  Payment of tax.
Status: in_force

Any person holding a manufacturers license issued under this title, shall, on or before the tenth (10th) day of every month, or at the discretion of the tax administrator on a quarterly basis, return to the tax administrator under the oath of its treasurer, or person performing the duties of treasurer, or of an authorized agent or officer as of the last day of the month preceding, a statement showing its name and location, the quantity of beverage in gallons manufactured and sold by it within the month preceding or during the quarter ending the last day of the preceding month if on a quarterly basis and any other information as the administrator shall require. The amount of the tax shall be paid to the general treasurer within fifteen (15) days following its assessment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-18 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-18
§ 3-6-18. License fee relief.
Status: in_force

If the holder of a manufacturers license obtains a rectifiers license or another type of manufacturers license for further operations at the same premises, the department will waive the license fee for the additional license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-13 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-13
§ 3-8-13. Use of alcoholic beverages in a licensed curriculum.
Status: in_force

This chapter does not apply to a person who gives or causes to be given any alcoholic beverage to a student under the age of twenty-one (21) years, nor does this chapter apply to any of these students who receives any alcoholic beverage, if the beverage is delivered in a curriculum at an accredited college in which the student is required to taste or imbibe alcoholic beverages in courses which are part of the required curriculum, provided these alcoholic beverages are used only for instructional purposes during classes conducted pursuant to this curriculum.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-23 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-23
§ 3-5-23. Revocation of license for criminal offenses or disorderly conditions  Action on bond.
Status: in_force

(a) If any licensed person is convicted of violating any of the provisions of this title, or of chapters 6, 10, 34, or 45 of title 11, or §§ 11-2-1, 11-9-13, 11-9-15, 11-11-5, 11-18-2  11-18-4, 11-20-1, 11-20-2, 11-23-4, 11-30-1  11-30-11, 11-31-1 or 11-37-2  11-37-4, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any complaint or indictment under any of these provisions, or if his or her license is revoked, his or her bond shall be put in suit by the town or city treasurer of the city or town where the bond is given, and by due process of law, the penal sum of the bond shall be recovered for the use of the town or city.

(b) If any licensed person permits the house or place where he or she is licensed to sell beverages under the provisions of this title to become disorderly as to annoy and disturb the persons inhabiting or residing in the neighborhood, or permits any gambling or unlawful gaming to be carried on in the neighborhood, or permits any of the laws of this state to be violated in the neighborhood, in addition to any punishment or penalties that may be prescribed by statute for that offense, he or she may be summoned before the board, body, or official that issued his or her license and before the department, when he or she and the witnesses for and against him or her may be heard. If it appears to the satisfaction of the board, body, or official hearing the charges that the licensee has violated any of the provisions of this title or has permitted any of the things listed in this section, then the board, body, or official may suspend or revoke the license or enter another order.

(c) In case the license is revoked, the licensed person after the revocation shall cease to have any authority under the license and shall be disqualified from holding any of the licenses provided for in this title for a period of five (5) years following the revocation.

(d) The revocation of a license shall not interfere with, or prejudice the right of, recovery upon the licensees bond for the full amount of the bond.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-28 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-5 / Section 3-5-28
§ 3-5-28. Uniform procedures.
Status: in_force

The department is authorized to issue any orders and prescribe any forms to local licensing boards or authorities that will provide uniform procedures and forms in the processing, handling and reporting of license applications and disciplinary actions against licensees by local licensing boards or authorities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-22 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-22
§ 3-7-22. Manufacturers or wholesalers interest in retailer.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful for any holder of a manufacturers or wholesalers license to have any direct or indirect interest in any retailers license or in the business carried on under a retailers license. If by operation of law the holder of a manufacturers or wholesalers license acquires an interest in a retailers license, or in the business carried on under a retailers license, he or she shall within thirty (30) days after acquiring that interest report the interest to the department and shall dispose of that interest in accordance with the directions of the department. Any person willfully violating the provisions of this section shall forfeit his or her manufacturers license and his or her interest in the retailers license.

(b) The holder of a license issued pursuant to § 3-6-1.1, et seq., located at 162 West Main Road, Little Compton, Rhode Island may have a direct or indirect interest in a Class B license, provided, that the holder shall remain obligated to comply with § 3-7-18 and § 3-5-11.1.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-16.4 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-7 / Section 3-7-16.4
§ 3-7-16.4. Class ED license.
Status: in_force

(a) The holder of a retail Class ED license must be situated within a defined economic development zone within the city of Providence. The city may designate by ordinance an ED zone for the purpose of encouraging commercial and industrial investment. These zones or zone must consist of one or more contiguous census tract or tracts, or any portion thereof, and must represent substantial commercial or industrial activities within the tract or tracts. At least twenty-five percent (25%) of the developable land area must be zoned for commercial or industrial purposes within the designated zone. Plans for the revitalization of the area shall be adopted by the city council. Prior to any public body acting to create an ED zone, a public hearing must be held.

(b) Class ED licenses are nontransferable and are site specific. The application for ED licenses shall consider the type of facility, location within the designated zone, and economic impact of the commercial activities. The local licensing authority may specifically restrict the level of retail alcoholic beverages sold as well as the hours of sale. The issuing authority shall not grant a Class ED license which would provide longer operating hours for the licensee than that which is provided through any other license the authority is empowered to grant.

(c) The number of Class ED licenses the local licensing authority may grant shall be equal to an additional twenty percent (20%) of its total licensing authority for Class B and Class C licenses.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-11.2 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-11.2
§ 3-8-11.2. Penalty for violation of § 3-8-11.1.
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who violates § 3-8-11.1 and either pleads nolo contendere or is convicted of a first misdemeanor violation shall be punished by a fine of not less than three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and/or imprisoned for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or both.

(b) Any person who violates § 3-8-11.1 and either pleads nolo contendre or is convicted of a second misdemeanor violation shall be punished by a fine of not less than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and/or imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year, or both.

(c) Any person who violates § 3-8-11.1 and either pleads nolo contendre or is convicted of a third or subsequent violation shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by a fine not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) and/or imprisonment not exceeding three (3) years. Any person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under of this section shall not have any fine suspended.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-6 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-6
§ 3-6-6. Bottling and sale privileges of a rectifiers license.
Status: in_force

A rectifiers license also authorizes the license holder to bottle distilled spirits and wines without rectifying or blending and authorizes the sale at wholesale at the licensed place by the rectifier of the distilled spirits and wines rectified, blended, warehoused or bottled at his or her licensed plant to another license holder and the transportation and the delivery from the place of sale to the licensed place or to a common carrier for that delivery. It shall not authorize the sale of beverages for consumption on the premises where sold, nor the sale of beverages within this state for delivery outside the state in violation of the law of the place of delivery.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-4-5 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-4 / Section 3-4-5
§ 3-4-5. Class G licensees exempt.
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in §§ 3-4-1  3-4-4 applies to or affects the rights of holders of Class G licenses to transport within this state, or to import into this state, beverages kept for sale or sold while actually en route in the cars or on the vessels of those licensees.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-13-7 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-13 / Section 3-13-7
§ 3-13-7. Damages for improper cancellation, termination, or failure to renew  Arbitration.
Status: in_force

(a) Any supplier which without good cause cancels, terminates or fails to renew any agreement, or unlawfully causes a wholesaler to resign from an agreement or unreasonably denies or withholds consent to any assignment, transfer or sale of business assets or capital stock or other equity securities of a wholesaler with whom that supplier has an agreement pursuant to § 3-13-5(6), is subject to compensatory damages, equitable relief, or both. Compensatory damages include reasonable compensation for the value of the wholesalers business with relation to the affected brand or brands and the wholesalers goodwill, if any.

(b) The supplier and the wholesaler may, by the terms of an agreement or otherwise, submit the disputes set forth in subsection (a), including the compensation, if any, to be paid for the value of the wholesalers business, to a neutral arbitrator to be selected by the parties, or if they cannot agree, by the presiding justice of the Rhode Island superior court. The arbitration proceeding shall be held within the state and shall be governed by chapter 3 of title 10. Arbitration costs shall be paid one-half (Â½) by the wholesaler and one-half (Â½) by the supplier. The award of the arbitrator is final and binding on the parties.

(c) Unless otherwise ordered by the superior court, all of the terms and conditions of an agreement between the parties shall remain in full force and effect for a period not to exceed one year during the course of any arbitration or judicial proceedings brought to enforce any rights under an agreement or under this chapter. No supplier who, pursuant to an agreement with a wholesaler, has designated a sales territory for which the wholesaler is primarily responsible or in which the wholesaler is required to concentrate its efforts, shall enter into an agreement with any other wholesaler during that one year period for the purpose of establishing an additional wholesaler for any of its brands or products. Notwithstanding any pending arbitration proceeding, a party may petition the superior court in accordance with § 3-13-11 to obtain any relief as may be necessary to enforce this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-1-2 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-1 / Section 3-1-2
§ 3-1-2. Intoxicating and nonintoxicating beverages.
Status: in_force

Beverages are divided into two (2) classes  intoxicating and nonintoxicating. It is declared that beverages containing not more than three and two-tenths percent (3.2%) of alcohol by weight are nonintoxicating.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-14 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-14
§ 3-8-14. Sale of beverages by bottle.
Status: in_force

The department of business regulation shall adopt rules and regulations authorizing the holders of Class B-V licenses issued pursuant to this title to sell aquardiente by the bottle, for consumption on the premises of the license holder because this beverage is generally purchased by the bottle by ethnic tradition.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-19 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-12 / Section 3-12-19
§ 3-12-19. Officers not liable for costs.
Status: in_force

An officer of the law complaining on account of the violation of any of the provisions of this title is not required at the time of complaint or thereafter to enter into recognizance or in any way to become liable for the costs that may accrue on the complaint.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-17 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-8 / Section 3-8-17
§ 3-8-17. Possession or sale of powdered alcohol prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to use, offer for use, purchase, offer to purchase, sell, offer to sell, or possess powdered alcohol, subject to the provisions of § 3-11-5.

(b) This section shall not apply to the use of powdered alcohol for bona fide research purposes by: a health care provider that operates primarily for the purpose of conducting scientific research; a state institution; a private college or university; or a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-17 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-17
§ 3-6-17. Penalties for violations.
Status: in_force

A violation of any provision of this chapter is punishable, upon conviction, by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-14.1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-6 / Section 3-6-14.1
§ 3-6-14.1. Pricing restrictions  Affirmation of price compliance.
Status: in_force

(a) No holder of a certificate of compliance for distilled spirits or vinous beverages shall ship, transport, or deliver within this state, or sell or offer for sale, to a wholesaler, any brand of distilled spirits or vinous beverages at a bottle or case price higher than the lowest price at which that item is then being sold or offered for sale or shipped, transported, or delivered by the holder of a certificate of compliance to any wholesaler in any other state of the United States or in the District of Columbia or to any state, including an agency of the state, which owns and operates retail liquor outlets.

(b) Prior to the shipment of distilled spirits or vinous beverages, the holder of a certificate of compliance, or the authorized representative of the holder, shall file with the department a written affirmation under oath by the holder of the certificate of compliance certifying that at the time of filing the bottle or case price to the wholesaler is no higher than the lowest price at which each item of distilled spirits or vinous beverages is being sold, offered for sale, shipped, transported, or delivered by that holder to any wholesaler in any other state in the United States or in the District of Columbia, or to any state or agency of a state which owns and operates retail liquor outlets.

(c) A holder of a certificate of compliance may file the affirmation required by this section once and may certify that the affirmation remains in full force and effect until amended as set forth in this title.

(d) In determining the lowest price for which any item or distilled spirits or vinous beverages is or was sold, offered for sale, shipped, transported or delivered by the holder of a certificate of compliance to a wholesaler in any other state or in the District of Columbia or to any state or state agency which owns and operates retail liquor outlets, appropriate reductions will be made for all discounts, rebates, free goods, allowances and other inducements of any kind whatever offered or given to the wholesaler in another state or in the District of Columbia or to any state agency which owns and operates retail liquor outlets. Differentials in price which make only due allowances for differences in state taxes and fees and for the actual cost of delivery are permissible. As used in this section, state taxes and fees means the excise taxes imposed or the fees required by any state or the District of Columbia upon or based upon a gallon of alcoholic liquor and gallon means one hundred twenty-eight (128) fluid ounces.

(e) This section shall not preclude the holder of a certificate of compliance from lowering prices to any wholesaler in any other state of the United States or in the District of Columbia, or to any state or agency of a state which owns and operates retail liquor outlets at any time but notice of this change shall be set forth in an amendment to the affirmation on file in the office of the department. This amendment shall be under oath and shall be filed within ten (10) days from the date of this change in price.

(f) The department shall enforce the provisions of this section and make any regulations that are necessary to carry out its provisions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-9-1 — RI Code / Title 3 / Chapter 3-9 / Section 3-9-1
§ 3-9-1. Appointment of assayer.
Status: in_force

The director of business regulation may appoint an assayer of liquors, who shall perform the duties required by this chapter.