New Law Allows More Beverage Sales At RI Breweries, Distilleries

PAWTUCKET, RI — Starting today, people visiting craft beverage producers in Rhode Island will be able to purchase far more beer, wine and spirits to go.

Governor Dan McKee has signed legislation that will effectively double the amount of locally-crafted beer, wine, and spirits that customers can purchase at any one time from Rhode Island breweries, vineyards, and distilleries.

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"It's a very competitive industry," explained Richard Visco, co-owner and operations manager at the Foolproof Brewing Company in Pawtucket. Visco described a situation where retailers and distributors take a bite of the profits while small breweries compete for market share with "the big guys" in the form of large, national beer companies.

"One beautiful oasis is our ability to sell straight out of the taproom," Visco said. "It cuts out the middleman. And that's huge for small family-owned businesses like ours."

Foolproof is one of many craft breweries that have been established in Rhode Island towns and cities, all the way from Westerly to Woonsocket, and their taprooms attract visitors from near and far. The lawmakers who sponsored the bill said today that the growing popularity of local breweries and distilleries represents an economic development opportunity for the Ocean State.

“These businesses draw visitors from all over New England and beyond, many of whom like to stock up on the product they love before they go home,” said Sen. Melissa A. Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield).

“Breweries are all small businesses, and it doesn’t make any sense for our state to stifle their potential and ability to succeed, “ said Rep. Justine A. Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich). “These are businesses that add character and charm to our communities while also contributing to our economy.”

The General Assembly passed the legislation on July 1. It allows breweries, brewpubs, distilleries and wineries to sell as much as two cases of beer — that’s 48 bottles or cans — or 1500 ml of distilled spirits per visitor per day. The alcohol must be be sold in containers that hold no more than 72 ounces for off-premises consumption only. Previous law allowed half those amounts.

The new rules go into effect immediately.