New Law Allows RI Liquor Stores To Open New Year's Day

PROVIDENCE, RI — Starting Jan. 1, liquor stores can open on New Year's Day in Rhode Island.

The change comes thanks to a bill signed into law during the most recent legislative session. Previously, the law prohibited Class A license liquor stores from selling alcohol on Thanksgiving or New Year's Day.

Rep. William O'Brien, the bill's sponsor, said he was "very happy that this law is in effect for the coming holiday."

"COVID-19 has decimated our small businesses and this law is another small way we can help our small businesses recover from the pandemic," O'Brien said. "If a liquor store chooses to be open on New Year’s Day, they should be allowed to operate their business, simple as that."

Under the law, liquor stores must still remain closed on Thanksgiving Day.