Rhode Island's Beer And Wine: Where To Buy?

If you're looking to buy beer and wine in Rhode Island, you'll need to know the local laws. Unlike most other states, Rhode Island doesn't allow the sale of alcohol in grocery or convenience stores. So, where can you buy beer and wine?

Beer and wine can be purchased in package stores or liquor stores

In Rhode Island, beer and wine can be purchased in package stores or liquor stores. This is because, unlike 46 other states, grocery and convenience stores in Rhode Island are not permitted to sell alcohol. This is due to the state's unique history of alcohol regulation, which has been largely unchanged since 1934.

The state's alcohol regulations are a result of the 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition and put the regulation of alcoholic beverages into state hands. Since then, Rhode Island has maintained a three-tier system to regulate alcohol sales, separating regulations for producers, distributors, and retailers.

While there have been attempts to change the law and allow beer and wine sales in grocery and convenience stores, these efforts have faced strong opposition from local liquor store owners, who argue that it would negatively impact their businesses and the local economy.

As a result, those looking to purchase beer and wine in Rhode Island must do so at package or liquor stores, which are typically open from 7 am to 10 pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. These stores are allowed to sell alcohol for off-premise consumption only, and delivery services are available in some cases.

In addition to package and liquor stores, beer and wine can also be purchased at bars and restaurants, breweries, and taprooms, each with their own specific rules and regulations surrounding alcohol sales.

It can also be bought in bars and restaurants

In Rhode Island, you can buy beer and wine in bars and restaurants. On-site locations are permitted to sell beer and wine from 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Saturday, but not at all on Sundays. This means that bars and restaurants in the state can sell beer, wine, and liquor during these hours.

During the pandemic, Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order allowing restaurants serving takeout meals to sell beer and wine to their customers. This was a change to previous legislation, which prohibited the sale of alcohol with takeout orders. However, it is important to note that alcohol cannot be delivered with restaurant orders or through third-party delivery services. There are also limits to the amount of alcohol that can be purchased with a takeout order, including a maximum of 144 ounces of beer and up to two bottles of wine per order.

Additionally, bars and restaurants in Rhode Island are not permitted to offer happy hour discounts. However, they can offer "daily specials" that serve a similar purpose.

Breweries and taprooms sell beer

In Rhode Island, beer and alcohol can be purchased from package and liquor stores, bars and restaurants, and breweries and taprooms.

Rhode Island has a unique set of alcohol regulations. Notably, it is one of only four states that prohibit the sale of beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores, alongside Alaska, Maryland, and Delaware. Instead, alcohol can only be purchased from specific locations, including breweries and taprooms.

Breweries in Rhode Island offer a variety of beer options for on-premise consumption. These establishments provide a space for patrons to enjoy their drinks within the premises, typically featuring a range of craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere.

Taprooms in the state also contribute to the vibrant beer culture, offering a selection of beers on tap for customers to savour. These taprooms often showcase local brews, providing a platform for small and independent breweries to reach a wider audience.

It is important to note that the sale of alcohol in Rhode Island is subject to specific time restrictions. On-premise locations, such as breweries and taprooms, are permitted to sell beer from 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday. However, these establishments are not authorised to sell beer at any time on Sundays.

You can get beer and wine with a takeout order

If you're looking to buy beer and wine in Rhode Island, you'll need to head to a package or liquor store, as these are the only places permitted to sell alcohol in the state. This is because Rhode Island has strict alcohol laws that date back to the end of Prohibition in the US. While you can buy beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores in many other states, this isn't possible in Rhode Island.

However, there is some good news if you're ordering takeout. During the pandemic, an executive order was signed by Governor Gina Raimondo, allowing restaurants to sell beer and wine to their customers along with their takeout meals. This was a welcome change for the hospitality industry, which was facing dining room shutdowns at the time. There are some restrictions, though: alcohol must be in its original, factory-sealed container, and customers must show ID when they pick up their order. Each order is limited to 144 ounces of beer and up to two bottles of wine. It's also important to note that this doesn't apply to delivery services, whether that's from the restaurant directly or a third-party company.

So, if you're in the mood for a drink with your dinner, you can take advantage of this option and get beer or wine with your takeout meal. Just remember to follow the rules and drink responsibly!

Alcohol can be delivered from off-premise retail locations

Alcohol laws vary from state to state in the US, and Rhode Island has some of the most restrictive legislation. Notably, Rhode Island does not permit the sale of alcohol in grocery or convenience stores. This means that beer, wine, and liquor can only be purchased from package or liquor stores. These stores are only open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

However, there is an exception to the rule that alcohol cannot be delivered in Rhode Island. Alcohol delivery is permitted from off-premise retail locations, such as liquor stores, as long as the following conditions are met:

• The buyer must be able to present valid photographic identification proving they are 21 years old or over.
• The sale must be made during the regular hours of operation of the business.
• The delivery must be accompanied by an invoice, including the required personal information of the buyer and a list of the items purchased.

During the summer months, between June 1 and October 31, packaged alcohol can be sold until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday at off-premise locations. Alcohol sales are prohibited on Thanksgiving and New Year's Day at retail locations, although bars and restaurants can sell beer on Thanksgiving.

Although Rhode Island permits its counties to hold referendums to restrict alcohol sales further, none have done so.

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