WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2415

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 4 co-sponsors

The bill allows manufacturers with brewing, distilling, or winery licenses to sell one 1/6 barrel keg of their own malt beverage per day for off-premises consumption.

04/29/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2415

Bill Summary: SB 2415 (Rhode Island) – 2026 Session

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE LICENSES

Purpose and Intent

SB 2415 proposes a modest adjustment to the Rhode Island framework for manufacturer licenses (breweries, distilleries, wineries) by allowing recipients of a manufacturer’s license to sell a limited amount of their own malt beverage (specifically, a 1/6 barrel keg per day) for off-premises consumption. The bill also clarifies and codifies existing manufacturing and wholesale activities, including on-premises tasting and sampling, subject to existing regulatory requirements.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Section 3-6-1 (Manufacturer's license) (a)-(b) Existing framework retained:
    • A manufacturer license authorizes the operation of a brewery, distillery, or winery at a licensed plant.
    • The license permits wholesale sales of the licensed product to other licensees and transport to licensed premises or a common carrier.
    • On-premises consumption is allowed within certain daily limits, and samples may be offered to visitors in conjunction with tours or tastings, subject to defined limits and compliance with server training and insurance requirements.
    • Off-premises sales are permitted but must be sold in containers up to specified sizes and must comply with applicable retail laws.
  • New/clarified provision (within existing license framework):
    • The act would explicitly allow the licensee to sell one 1/6 barrel keg of malt beverage produced on the premises per day for off-premises consumption.
    • This is a notable expansion of a manufacturer’s direct-off premise sales capability, adding a defined daily allotment for on-site production sold off-site.
  • Fees (Section 3-6-1 (c)):
    • Annual license fees are kept or clarified as follows:
    • Distillery: $3,000 if producing >50,000 gallons/year; $500 if ≤50,000 gallons/year.
    • Brewery: $500 (per year).
    • Winery: $1,500 if producing >50,000 gallons/year; $500 if ≤50,000 gallons/year.
    • Fees are prorated to the year ending December 1 and paid to the General Treasurer for state use.
  • Effective date:
    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Manufacturers (breweries, distilleries, wineries) holding or applying for manufacturing licenses would be affected.
  • License holders would gain a defined allowance to sell up to one 1/6 barrel keg of their own malt beverage per day for off-premises consumption.
  • Consumers would have increased access to on-site produced malt beverages for take-home purchase, within the per-day limit.
  • State regulatory and enforcement bodies would oversee continued compliance with sampling, server training, and insurance requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 30, 2026.
  • Referred to: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs.
  • Committee action: As of the latest update, committee recommended the measure be held for further study (April 29, 2026).
  • Effective date: Upon passage (no delayed or retroactive provision).

Notable Details

  • The 1/6 barrel keg corresponds to a substantial but manageable quantity for a craft producer to offer for off-site consumption, aligning with typical craft beverage business models.
  • All other manufacturing and wholesale license provisions remain aligned with existing Rhode Island law, including limits on on-site consumption and sampling, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.