The bill amends Section 3-6-1 of the General Laws regarding manufacturing and wholesale licenses, specifically focusing on manufacturers' licenses for breweries. It allows holders of a manufacturers license for a brewery, whether located within or outside Rhode Island, to sell, transport, deliver, and distribute malt beverages of their own manufacture directly to retailers licensed under this title within the state without using a licensed Rhode Island wholesaler. However, if a brewery manufacturer self-distributes more than 5,000 barrels in a calendar year or has a total annual production of 8,000 barrels or more, they must enter into a written agreement for distribution with a licensed wholesaler in Rhode Island within 30 days or cease self-distribution for the remainder of that calendar year, with certain exceptions for completing delivery of prior orders. The bill also requires breweries engaging in self-distribution to register with the Department of Business Regulation and maintain complete and accurate records of all self-distributed sales for not less than three years.

Additionally, the bill authorizes holders of a manufacturers license for a brewery to have one additional location for the retail sale of alcoholic liquor manufactured in the state to be consumed on and off the premises, subject to city or town approval for a liquor license. It also permits these manufacturers to purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed Rhode Island wholesalers for resale at retail for consumption on the premises only, provided that these beverages are manufactured in the state. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7493: 3-6-1