The bill amends Section 3-6-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 3-6 entitled "Manufacturing and Wholesale Licenses" to update the regulations concerning manufacturer’s licenses for breweries, distilleries, and wineries. The amendments include new provisions that allow a manufacturer to sell up to fifteen ounces (15 oz.) of wine for on-premises consumption per visitor per day, in addition to the existing allowances for malt beverages and distilled spirits. It also defines a drink of wine as up to five ounces (5 oz.) and permits the sale of up to three (3) seven hundred fifty milliliter (750 ml) bottles of wine, or the equivalent amount in other containers, for off-premises consumption per visitor per day. The bill specifies that containers for off-premises sales must be sealed and comply with laws governing retail Class A establishments.

The bill also outlines the annual fees for the licenses based on production volume, with a fee of $3,000 for distilleries producing more than 50,000 gallons per year, $500 for those producing less or equal to that amount, $500 for a brewery, and $1,500 for a winery producing more than 50,000 gallons per year, with a $500 fee for those producing less. These fees are prorated to the year ending December 1 in every calendar year. The bill stipulates that all manufacturer licenses conducting retail sales or providing samples must comply with alcohol server training and liquor liability insurance requirements. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7220: 3-6-1