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SB 3000

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bars must provide drink lids on request and post a visible notice to deter drink spiking, with possible small fees and a one-time warning for violation.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3000

Summary of SB 3000 (Rhode Island) – 2026 Session

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

Primary purpose

Mandate that licensed retailers authorized to sell intoxicating beverages for onsite consumption provide lids for customers’ drinks upon request, and publicly notify customers about lid availability. The measure aims to reduce the risk of drink spiking (roofie events) by making lids readily available and easy to find.

Key provisions

  • Section 3-7-30: Licensed retailers must provide a lid with a customer’s drink upon request.
    • A “lid” is defined as a removable cover that fits at least one beverage container rim on the premises; it is not required to fit all possible container types.
  • Notice requirement: Licensees must post a conspicuous notice stating:
    • “Don’t get roofied! Drink lids available here. Ask a staff member for details.”
  • Fees: Licensees may charge an additional fee for providing a lid, capped by a reasonable amount based on the wholesale cost of lids.
  • Fee flexibility: Licensees may also offer lids free of charge if they choose.
  • Penalty/ Enforcement: A sole violation of this section, including the notice requirement, would result in a warning from the Rhode Island Department of Enforcement (the department) for the first offense.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected entities

  • Retail license holders authorized to sell intoxicating beverages for onsite consumption (e.g., bars, restaurants, nightclubs, other on-premises alcohol vendors).
  • Patrons/customers who order drinks for onsite consumption (beneficiaries of lids upon request and the posted notice).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 4, 2026
  • Referred to: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • Committee action: On April 29, 2026, the committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage (no delayed effective date specified).

Practical impact and considerations

  • Operational: Licensees must maintain a supply of lids and ensure staff can provide them on request. They must also display the required notice prominently.
  • Financial: Possible minor cost impact due to purchasing lids; licensees may recoup costs via a small fee, but may also choose to provide lids free of charge.
  • Public health/safety: Aims to reduce drink-spiking risk by facilitating lid use, potentially enhancing patron safety and confidence in on-premises alcohol service.
  • Compliance: First violation triggers a warning, suggesting a relatively lenient initial enforcement approach.

Summary assessment

SB 3000 would introduce a straightforward consumer-safety measure for on-premises alcohol vendors in Rhode Island by ensuring lids are available on demand and by requiring clear signage. It balances cost considerations for licensees with public safety goals, while giving the Department a one-time warning for any single violation. The bill is currently under committee review with no final passage outcome yet.

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

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