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9/7/2021 Governor McKee signs legislation to raise sales limits for breweries and distilleries
Legislation doubles the limits on beer and spirits that customers can purchase at one time

STATE HOUSE – Governor Dan McKee, joined by Sen. Melissa A. Murray and Rep. Justine A. Caldwell, held a ceremonial bill-signing for legislation that raises the sales limits for beer and spirits at breweries and distilleries across Rhode Island.

The legislation (2021-H 5255A, 2021-S 0199A) allows breweries, brewpubs, distilleries, and wineries to sell as much as two cases of beer — the equivalent of 48 12- or 16-ounce bottles or cans — or 1500 milliliters of distilled spirits per visitor per day, for off-premises consumption. This bill doubles the amount which was allowed under previous law.

“The growing popularity of our local breweries and distilleries is an economic development opportunity for Rhode Island. 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. We need to enable the small businesses that make up this industry to respond to the demand and so they can expand and thrive. They succeed, their customers bring home what they want and contribute to our economy, and the state reaps tax revenue,” said Sen. 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. They need higher limits to meet customers’ expectations and be competitive with similar businesses in the region. These are businesses that add character and charm to our communities while also contributing to our economy. Our laws should support and encourage their success,” said Rep. Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich).

“The legislation is a positive step forward for the small businesses that make up Rhode Island’s vibrant brewing and distillery community,” said Governor McKee. “It is more important now than ever that we continue to provide our small businesses with increased flexibility as we emerge from the pandemic. Their success is crucial not only to the well-being of employees and business owners, but also to our state’s economic recovery. I thank the bill sponsors and advocates for passing this legislation on behalf of Rhode Island’s hard-working small business owners.”

The bill signing was hosted by Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter, joined by members of the Rhode Island Brewers Guild.

Photo: Rep. Justine A. Caldwell, left, and Sen. Melissa A. Murray, right, at the bill signing.


For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923