Allows a brewery to sell, deliver, and distribute its own malt beverages directly to retailers without using a wholesaler. The holder of a license for a brewery may also have 1 additional location for the retail sale of alcohol.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change Rhode Island's alcohol distribution rules to give licensed breweries more freedom in how they sell their products. Currently, breweries that want to sell their beer to bars, restaurants, and retail stores must go through a middleman called a wholesaler or distributor. This bill would allow breweries to bypass that step and sell, deliver, and transport their own malt beverages (beer and similar drinks) directly to retailers on their own.

The bill would also allow brewery license holders to operate one additional retail location where they can sell alcohol directly to consumers. This means a brewery could have its main brewing facility plus one more separate storefront or taproom where people can purchase their products.

This bill would primarily affect small and independent breweries in Rhode Island, as well as the wholesalers and distributors who currently handle beer distribution. Breweries could potentially save money and have more control over their sales by cutting out the distribution middleman. Retailers like bars, restaurants, and liquor stores would have the option to buy directly from breweries. Established wholesale distributors, however, could see a reduction in business if breweries choose to handle their own distribution.

The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the Small Business Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process. A hearing has been scheduled for March 2026.