The bill amends Section 3-6-15 of the General Laws in Chapter 3-6 entitled "Manufacturing and Wholesale Licenses" to prohibit manufacturers of intoxicating beverages from holding or having any interest in a wholesaler's license. The new legal language inserted specifies that manufacturers cannot be involved with a wholesaler's license either directly or indirectly, including through ownership, affiliation, or financial support mechanisms such as loans or guarantees. The deletion in the bill removes the previous limitation that only manufacturers of distilled spirits or wines whose principal place of manufacture is outside of the state are subject to this restriction.

Furthermore, the bill includes a grandfather clause that allows manufacturers who currently hold a wholesaler's license or have an interest in one to retain and renew their existing licenses. However, it also stipulates that these licenses cannot be transferred to a third party. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage, reinforcing the separation between manufacturing and wholesale entities within the intoxicating beverage industry.

Statutes affected:
2487  SUB A: 3-6-15
2487: 3-6-15