reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-26 - Hemp Growth Act › Section 2-26-10. - Enforcement of violations of chapter.

§ 2-26-10. Enforcement of violations of chapter.
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the director of the department, or his or her designee, has cause to believe that a violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulations promulgated hereunder has occurred by a licensee who or that is under the department’s jurisdiction pursuant to this chapter, or that any person or entity is conducting any activities requiring licensure by the department under this chapter or the regulations promulgated hereunder without such licensure, the director, or his or her designee, may, in accordance with the requirements of the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42:
(1)
Revoke or suspend a license;
(2)
Levy an administrative penalty in an amount established pursuant to regulations promulgated by the department;
(3)
Order the violator to cease and desist such actions;
(4)
Require a licensee or person or entity conducting any activities requiring licensure under this chapter to take such actions as are necessary to comply with this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder; or
(5)
Any combination of the above penalties.
(b)
If the director of the department finds that public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action, and incorporates a finding to that effect in his or her order, summary suspension of license and/or cease and desist may be ordered pending proceedings for revocation or other action.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 15, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-27 - Forest Conservation Act › Section 2-27-2. - Definitions.

§ 2-27-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter;
(1)
“Department” means the department of environmental management.
(2)
“Director” means the director of the department of environmental management, unless otherwise specified.
(3)
“Forest-based business” means the inclusion of all the activities that go into harvesting forest products and turning them into usable products. These businesses include foresters, loggers, and truckers who manage, harvest, and transport raw materials and the companies that turn these raw materials into usable products for purchase in a variety of markets.
(4)
“Forest conservation commission” or “commission” means the commission established pursuant to § 2-27-3.
(5)
“Forest fragmentation” means the breaking of large, contiguous, forested areas into smaller pieces of forest; typically, these pieces are separated by roads, utility corridors, subdivisions, or other human development.
(6)
“Forest land” means any tract or contiguous tracts of land, ten (10) acres or larger bearing a dense growth of trees, including any underbrush, and having either the quality of self-perpetuation, or being dependent upon its development by the planting and replanting of trees in stands of closely growing timber.
(7)
“Forest management” means the focus on managing vegetation, restoring ecosystems and habitat, reducing hazards, and maintaining forest health for a desired outcome.
(8)
“Fund” means the forest land conservation fund established pursuant to § 2-27-6.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 200, § 1, effective July 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 201, § 1, effective July 7, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-27 - Forest Conservation Act › Section 2-27-4. - Powers of commission.

§ 2-27-4. Powers of commission.
The commission has the power to:
(1)
Retain by contract or employ counsel, auditors, engineers, appraisers, private consultants and advisors, or other personnel needed to provide necessary services;
(2)
Request the assistance of staff from the department or other state agencies on an as-needed basis;
(3)
Accept gifts, grants, or loans of funds, or services from any source, public or private, and comply, subject to the provisions of this chapter, with the terms and conditions thereof;
(4)
Accept from a federal agency loans or grants for use in carrying out its purposes and enter into agreement with an agency respecting those loans or grants; and
(5)
Otherwise do all things necessary for the performance of its duties, the fulfillment of its obligations, and the conduct of its business.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 200, § 1, effective July 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 201, § 1, effective July 7, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-27 - Forest Conservation Act › Section 2-27-5. - Duties of the commission.

§ 2-27-5. Duties of the commission.
The commission shall:
(1)
Develop the criteria necessary for defining the most important forest land under this chapter;
(2)
Make a reasonably accurate inventory of all land in the state that meets the definition of forest land;
(3)
Inform the public, public officials, and other citizens and interested persons of the provisions of this chapter; and
(4)
Make recommendations to the director of the department of environmental management regarding disbursements from the forest land conservation fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 200, § 1, effective July 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 201, § 1, effective July 7, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-27 - Forest Conservation Act › Section 2-27-6. - Forest land conservation fund.

§ 2-27-6. Forest land conservation fund.
(a)
There is hereby established a forest land conservation fund.
(b)
The fund may be utilized for purposes consistent with this chapter.
(c)
The fund shall consist of the following sources:
(1)
Sums the legislature may appropriate;
(2)
Monies received from federal, state, or other sources, including bond funds;
(3)
Monies received from any other sources including from any private donor for the fund;
(4)
Any interest earned on the monies in the fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 200, § 1, effective July 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 201, § 1, effective July 7, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-27 - Forest Conservation Act › Section 2-27-7. - Severability.

§ 2-27-7. Severability.
If any provisions of this chapter or of any rule, regulation, or order made under this chapter, or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter, rule, regulation, or order, and the application of that provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter, and it is declared to be the legislative intent that this chapter would have been enacted if those invalid parts had not been included in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 200, § 1, effective July 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 201, § 1, effective July 7, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-1 - General Provisions › Section 3-1-2. - Intoxicating and nonintoxicating beverages.

§ 3-1-2. Intoxicating and nonintoxicating beverages.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 162, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 3-1-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-1 - General Provisions › Section 3-1-3. - Manufacture or sale of cider and manufacture of wines and malt liquors for domestic use exempt from title.

§ 3-1-3. Manufacture or sale of cider and manufacture of wines and malt liquors for domestic use exempt from title.
Nothing contained in this title and chapter shall be construed as to prohibit the manufacture of cider, or the sale of cider; or the manufacture of wine or malt liquors for domestic use.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 67; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 3-1-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-1 - General Provisions › Section 3-1-4. - Sales on execution exempt from title.

§ 3-1-4. Sales on execution exempt from title.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 77; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 3-1-4; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-1 - General Provisions › Section 3-1-5. - Liberal construction of title.

§ 3-1-5. Liberal construction of title.
This title shall be construed liberally in aid of its declared purpose which declared purpose is the promotion of temperance and for the reasonable control of the traffic in alcoholic beverages; provided, however, that the promotion of incentive programs or discounts for any person sixty-five (65) years of age or older, active duty members of the armed forces of the United States, and members of the National Guard or Reserves shall be allowed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 81; G.L. 1938, ch. 175, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 3-1-5; P.L. 2010, ch. 59, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-1 - General Provisions › Section 3-1-6. - Severability.

§ 3-1-6. Severability.
(a)
Each section of this title and each part of each section is declared to be a separable and independent section, and the holding of any section or sections or part or parts of this title to be void, ineffective or unconstitutional for any cause, shall not be deemed to affect any other section or part of this title.
(b)
If any provision of this title, or its application to any person or circumstance, is determined by a court to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions and sections shall be construed in accordance with the intent of the general assembly to limit rather than expand commerce in alcoholic beverages and to enhance strict regulatory control over taxation, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages through the three-tier regulatory system imposed by this title upon all alcoholic beverages.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 81; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 175, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 3-1-6; P.L. 2013, ch. 519, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 530, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-1. - Repealed.

§ 3-2-1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 82; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 123; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 4, effective July 1, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-2. - Supervision.

§ 3-2-2. Supervision.
(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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 13; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 6; P.L. 1941, ch. 1038, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 3044, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 3-2-2; P.L. 1970, ch. 79, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-3. - Bureau of inspection — Superintendent.

§ 3-2-3. Bureau of inspection — Superintendent.
Within the department, there is a bureau of inspection. The superintendent of the bureau shall be appointed by the director of business regulation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 74; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 120; G.L. 1956, § 3-2-3; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-3.1. - Bureau of importation — Superintendent.

§ 3-2-3.1. Bureau of importation — Superintendent.
Within the division of taxation there is a bureau of importation. The superintendent of the bureau is appointed by the director of the department of administration.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-4. - Superintendents ineligible to hold other office.

§ 3-2-4. Superintendents ineligible to hold other office.
Any person qualifying for the office of superintendent of the bureau of importation or superintendent of the bureau of inspection shall cease to hold any other elective office under the laws of this state. Anyone holding any office of trust and confidence under the laws of the United States shall not be eligible to qualify for the office of superintendent of the bureau of importation or inspection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 52; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 123; G.L. 1956, § 3-2-4; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-5. - Administration of oaths — Subpoena power — False swearing.

§ 3-2-5. Administration of oaths — Subpoena power — False swearing.
(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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 123; G.L. 1956, § 3-2-5; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-6. - Suspension or revocation of license for refusing official’s access to licensed premises.

§ 3-2-6. Suspension or revocation of license for refusing official’s access to licensed premises.
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.
History of Section.
G.L., ch. 164, § 6, as enacted by P.L. 1940, ch. 814, § 9; P.L. 1941, ch. 1038, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 3044, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 3-2-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-7. - Records of the department.

§ 3-2-7. Records of the department.
All records of the department relating to liquor control are declared to be public records and are open to public inspection under any rules that the department of business regulation makes. The governor and attorney general are authorized to require the department to furnish to them any record, information, copy of any document, paper, book or other thing in their possession. Certified copies of any part of the records of the department are prima facie evidence of the matters contained in the records.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 79; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 14; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 123; G.L. 1956, § 3-2-7; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art 36, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-2 - Liquor Control Administration › Section 3-2-8. - Repealed.

§ 3-2-8. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 9; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 15; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 123; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 4, effective July 1, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-4 - Transportation of Beverages › Section 3-4-1. - Importation orders.

§ 3-4-1. Importation orders.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided, it is unlawful to import beverages into this state. A person desiring to import beverages into this state may place with the division of taxation an order directed to a dealer for the beverage he or she desires to import and shall satisfy the division of taxation of his or her intention to pay for the merchandise. The division of taxation shall execute these orders unless doing so would involve some illegal act or the doing of an act which would be cause for the forfeiture of any license issued under this title.
(b)
All sellers, dealers, merchants, wholesalers and retailers of beverages who advertise in the state of Rhode Island, or whose advertisements are reasonably anticipated to circulate in this state shall prominently and conspicuously include within the advertisement a notice printed using a font size equal to but not larger than the font size of the largest price designation featured in the advertisement stating that the importation of beverages into the state, after purchase outside of the state, are subject to Rhode Island sales tax, and the failure to pay such tax may result in the seizure of such beverages upon entry into the state.
(c)
Any entity accepting commercial advertisements from any seller, dealer, merchant, wholesaler or retailer of beverages shall not publish such advertisement for the sale of such beverages unless the advertisement includes the notice set forth in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 39; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 120; G.L. 1956, § 3-4-1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art 36, § 6; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 7, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-4 - Transportation of Beverages › Section 3-4-2. - Payment of purchase price and service charges.

§ 3-4-2. Payment of purchase price and service charges.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 39; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 120; G.L. 1956, § 3-4-2; P.L. 1964, ch. 235, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 6; P.L. 1997, ch. 30, art. 35, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-4 - Transportation of Beverages › Section 3-4-3. - Importation and payments by division of taxation.

§ 3-4-3. Importation and payments by division of taxation.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 39; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 120; G.L. 1956, § 3-4-3; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-4 - Transportation of Beverages › Section 3-4-4. - Risk assumed by purchaser.

§ 3-4-4. Risk assumed by purchaser.
The only obligation of the division of taxation, if it decides to execute an order pursuant to § 3-4-1, is to mail the order and the medium of payment for the order in case the division of taxation transmits the means of payment, to inspect the merchandise upon its delivery, and to notify the party ordering the merchandise of its arrival and where it may be found. The leaving with the division of taxation of the order and the making of the payments are taken to be an agreement upon the part of the person desiring the importation to assume all the risks of the transaction, and it is declared that he or she assumes those risks.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 39; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 120; G.L. 1956, § 3-4-4; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-4 - Transportation of Beverages › Section 3-4-5. - Class G licensees exempt.

§ 3-4-5. Class G licensees exempt.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 39; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 3-4-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-4 - Transportation of Beverages › Section 3-4-6. - Penalty for carrying beverages for unlawful sale.

§ 3-4-6. Penalty for carrying beverages for unlawful sale.
Every express carrier, common carrier, or other person who, for the purpose of carrying to any other person, receives any beverage which has been sold or is intended for sale in violation of this title, having reasonable cause to believe that the beverage has been, or is intended to be sold, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500) and may be prosecuted for this violation in the city or town where the beverage has been received, or in any city or town through or into which it has been carried.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 47; G.L. 1938, ch. 170, § 7; P.L. 1976, ch. 180, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-4 - Transportation of Beverages › Section 3-4-7. - Waybill or memorandum of shipment required.

§ 3-4-7. Waybill or memorandum of shipment required.
Whenever beverages are transported in wholesale quantities as defined in this section from the place where sold for delivery to the purchaser, the person in charge of the vehicle in which the beverage is transported shall, during the transportation, have in his or her possession a waybill or a memorandum from the seller to the purchaser showing the name and address of the seller and of the purchaser and the quantity and character of the beverage sold and transported. Upon the demand of any of the officers mentioned in this title, the person in charge of the transportation shall exhibit the waybill or the memorandum. The provisions of this section apply to interstate transactions insofar as this state, in the exercise of its police powers, may impose them. Any person transporting beverages in violation of this section shall be fined not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 51; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 170, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 3-4-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-4 - Transportation of Beverages › Section 3-4-8. - Unlawful sale and shipment.

§ 3-4-8. Unlawful sale and shipment.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person in the business of selling intoxicating beverages in another state or country to ship or cause to be shipped any intoxicating beverage directly to any Rhode Island resident who does not hold a valid wholesaler license issued by the State of Rhode Island. The foregoing shall not apply to any order for intoxicating beverages personally placed by the purchaser at the manufacturer’s premises, for shipment to an address in Rhode Island for nonbusiness purpose. Any shipment of intoxicating beverages pursuant to this section shall contain the language: “Contains Alcohol, Adult Signature (over 21) Required for Delivery.”
(b)
Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall, for the first offense, be mailed a certified letter by the department ordering that person to cease and desist any shipment of intoxicating beverages to Rhode Island residents and for each subsequent offense shall be fined one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 314, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 311, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-1. - License required for manufacture, sale, or importation of beverages.

§ 3-5-1. License required for manufacture, sale, or importation of beverages.
No person shall at any time manufacture or sell or suffer to be manufactured or sold or keep or suffer to be kept on his or her premises or possession or under his or her charge for the purpose of sale within this state any beverage unless licensed to do so as provided in this title; and except as provided in this title no person shall import, or suffer to be imported beverages into this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-2. - Local option — Questions put to electors — Petition for election.

§ 3-5-2. Local option — Questions put to electors — Petition for election.
(a)
In every election in every town and city, held for the election of town or city officers, the official or officials charged with the duty of preparing the official ballot labels, shall cause to be printed on these ballot labels the following questions:
“Shall licenses for the sale of beverages as defined in chapters 5, 6, and 7 of title 3, be issued in this town (or city)?”
“Shall retailers’ Class C beverage licenses provided for in § 3-7-8, be issued in this town (or city)?”
(b)
No vote may be taken on either of those questions in any town or city unless a number of qualified electors equal in cities to ten percent (10%) and in towns to fifteen per cent (15%) of the total legal vote cast in the city or town for governor at the general election next preceding shall petition the clerk or the official acting as the secretary or clerk of the board of canvassers and registration, or the board, body or official exercising in that town or city the powers of such a board, at least twenty (20) days prior to the election and the clerk or other official shall, on the petition, insert a provision for the taking of the vote or votes in the warrant calling the town, ward or district meeting.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 25; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 171, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-3. - Tabulation of votes.

§ 3-5-3. Tabulation of votes.
The results of the vote upon questions submitted in the towns and cities shall be counted and tabulated in the manner provided for in chapter 19 of title 17.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 25; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 171, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-4. - Denial of licenses after adverse vote.

§ 3-5-4. Denial of licenses after adverse vote.
If a majority of ballots cast on which the electors have indicated their choice upon the first of the questions in § 3-5-2 is against the granting of licenses, no license for the sale of beverages mentioned in the question shall be issued under the provisions of this chapter and chapters 6 and 7 of this title in the town or city for the two (2) years beginning December second after the election, nor until a majority of the electors of the town or city who vote in response to the question at a subsequent election in the town or city vote affirmatively on this question. If a majority of the ballots cast on which the electors have indicated their response to the second of the questions in § 3-5-2 is against the granting of the license mentioned in the question, no license shall be issued in the town or city during the same two (2) years, nor until a majority of the electors in the town or city, who vote in response to the question shall, at a subsequent similar election, vote affirmatively on this question. Nothing contained in this section prevents the granting of a license for the manufacture of beverages in any city or town to be sold for export beyond the state, or to any person authorized to sell those beverages in any city or town in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 25; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 171, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-5. - Towns and cities in which licenses authorized.

§ 3-5-5. Towns and cities in which licenses authorized.
It is lawful in every town and city in this state, except in the town of Barrington, to issue licenses for the manufacture, keeping for sale, and sale of beverages in these cities and towns and if upon any referendum provided for in § 3-5-2 the majority of the ballots cast in the town of Barrington are in favor of granting licenses for the sale of nonintoxicating or intoxicating beverages, then licenses may be issued for the sale in that town of beverages in accordance with the result of that referendum; and provided, further, that no license for the sale of nonintoxicating beverages or of intoxicating beverages shall be issued in any town or city in this state if a majority of the ballots on which the electors in these cities or towns have indicated their response to the appropriate question are opposed to the issuing of those licenses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 4; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-6. - Classes of licenses.

§ 3-5-6. Classes of licenses.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 5; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 2; P.L. 1935, ch. 2270, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-7. - Wholesale and retail sales distinguished.

§ 3-5-7. Wholesale and retail sales distinguished.
The sale of malt beverages in quantities of more than eight (8) gallons and the sale of vinous beverages and of beverages consisting in whole or in part of alcohol, which is the product of distillation in quantities of more than three (3) gallons, constitutes a sale by wholesale, and a sale of those beverages in lesser quantities constitutes a sale at retail; provided, that the sale of any quantity of beverages to a nonlicense holder constitutes a sale at retail.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 5; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 2; P.L. 1935, ch. 2270, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-8. - Expiration date of licenses.

§ 3-5-8. Expiration date of licenses.
Every license except retailer’s Class F licenses and retailer’s Class G licenses shall expire on December 1 after its issuance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 5; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 2; P.L. 1935, ch. 2270, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-9. - Premises covered.

§ 3-5-9. Premises covered.
Not more than one retail license, except in the case of a retailer’s Class E license, shall be issued for the same premises. Every license shall particularly describe the place where the rights under the license are to be exercised and beverages shall not be manufactured or kept for sale or sold by any licensee except at the place described in his or her license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 5; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 2; P.L. 1935, ch. 2270, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-9; P.L. 1998, ch. 441, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-11. - Licensing of chain stores.

§ 3-5-11. Licensing of chain stores.
(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).
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 6; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 120; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-11; P.L. 1990, ch. 45, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 421, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 376, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 469, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-11.1. - Liquor franchises prohibited.

§ 3-5-11.1. Liquor franchises prohibited.
(a)
To promote the effective and reasonable control and regulation of the Rhode Island alcoholic beverage industry and to help the consumer by protecting their choices and ensuring equitable pricing. Class A liquor license authorized by this title shall not be granted, issued, renewed, or transferred to or for the use of any liquor franchisor or franchisee. Class A liquor license holders are expressly prohibited from utilizing the provisions of the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act, chapter 28.1 of title 19.
(b)
Any franchise agreements involving the retail sales of alcoholic beverages are hereby declared null and void and illegal as of the effective date of this section [April 1, 2005].
(c)
Any franchise agreements involving the retail sales of alcoholic beverages shall be terminated by the franchisor or the franchisee within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this section.
(d)
Upon finding of a violation of this section by either the franchisor or the licensee, the department shall be empowered to set a fine up to the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violating franchisor or 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 have the power to revoke or suspend the franchise registration in accordance with § 19-28.1-18 and to order it to cease and desist from all operations that are violative of the provisions of this section.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this chapter to the contrary, this act shall not be construed as to prevent the utilization of duly licensed professionals rendering services as independent contractors.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 376, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 469, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 1, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-12. - Licensees to keep or sell legal beverages only — Minimum size of containers.

§ 3-5-12. Licensees to keep or sell legal beverages only — Minimum size of containers.
Only beverages which have been legally manufactured and on which all taxes and charges, federal and state, have been paid, shall be kept for sale or sold by a licensee. Holders of Class B, C, D, I and J licenses shall not have on the licensed premises distilled or vinous beverages in the containers, nor bottles, flasks or containers of less capacity than twenty-three ounces (23 oz.). Holders of Class B wholesaler’s licenses, Class G retailer’s licenses, Class B-H retailer’s licenses and Class A retailer’s licenses are authorized to keep for sale and to sell distilled beverages in containers of a minimum capacity of fifty milliliters (50 mls.) or one and seven tenths ounces (1.7 oz.).
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 5; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 2; P.L. 1935, ch. 2270, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 3; P.L. 1940, ch. 814, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 3004, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-12; P.L. 1966, ch. 218, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 535, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-13. - Consumption of distilled liquors on premises.

§ 3-5-13. Consumption of distilled liquors on premises.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 5; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 2; P.L. 1935, ch. 2270, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-14. - Licenses issued by department of business regulation.

§ 3-5-14. Licenses issued by department of business regulation.
The right, power, and jurisdiction to issue manufacturer’s, wholesaler’s, or retailer’s Class G and Class I licenses are solely in the department of business regulation; provided, that before the department issues any Class I license it shall first receive the approval of the licensing authority of the town or city in which the premises covered by the Class I license are located; and provided, that the number of Class I licenses in the state shall be limited to one to each twenty-five thousand (25,000) of its inhabitants as determined by the latest census taken under the authority of the United States or of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 11; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 4; P.L. 1940, ch. 814, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-14.1. - Licenses issued by the department of business regulation.

§ 3-5-14.1. Licenses issued by the department of business regulation.
The right, power, and jurisdiction to issue manufacturer’s and wholesaler’s licenses are solely in the department. The department has the right and power to limit the number of manufacturer’s and wholesaler’s licenses of each class.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-15. - Local licensing authorities.

§ 3-5-15. Local licensing authorities.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 11; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 164, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2721, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-16.1. - Revocation of abandoned Class A licenses.

§ 3-5-16.1. Revocation of abandoned Class A licenses.
Whenever it comes to the attention of any local licensing authority as defined in § 3-5-15 that the holder of a Class A license has abandoned the premises from which the licensee has been conducting his or her business or has ceased to operate under the license for a period of ninety (90) days or more then after hearing with due notice to the licensee the local licensing authority shall cancel the license; provided, that the authority may grant a reasonable period of time, not to exceed one year, to the licensee within which to reestablish the business where the abandonment or cessation of operating was due to illness, death, condemnation of business premises, fire or other casualty.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 3-5-16.1; P.L. 1969, ch. 63, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages › Chapter 3-5 - Licenses Generally › Section 3-5-17. - Notice and hearing on licenses.

§ 3-5-17. Notice and hearing on licenses.
Before granting a license to any person under the provisions of this chapter and title, the board, body or official to whom application for the license is made, shall give notice by advertisement published once a week for at least two (2) weeks in some newspaper published in the city or town where the applicant proposes to carry on business, or, if there is no newspaper published in a city or town, then in some newspaper having a general circulation in the city or town. Applications for retailer’s Class F, P and Class G licenses need not be advertised. 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′) of the place of business seeking the application. The notice shall be given by the board, body or official to whom the application is made, and 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 a fair opportunity shall be granted the remonstrants to make their objections before acting upon the application; provided that no advertisement or notice need be given pursuant to this section when a license holder applies for a temporary seasonal expansion of an existing liquor license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 20; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 163, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 3-5-17; P.L. 1977, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 241, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 366, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 501, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 511, § 1.