Allows holders of a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either a retail or wholesale establishment in the State of Rhode Island.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change the purchasing rules for people and businesses that hold a Class P liquor license in Rhode Island. Currently, Class P license holders are limited in where they can buy their alcoholic beverages. This bill would give them the flexibility to purchase alcohol from either a retail establishment (like a liquor store) or a wholesale establishment (a supplier that sells in bulk, typically at lower prices) within the state.

A Class P license in Rhode Island is a type of license that allows certain businesses — such as caterers or similar operations — to serve alcohol at events or in specific settings. By allowing these license holders to shop from both retail and wholesale sources, the bill could give small business owners more options when stocking up on alcohol for their operations, potentially making it easier and more cost-effective to obtain what they need.

This bill mainly affects Class P license holders and the businesses they run, as well as the retail and wholesale alcohol suppliers who might gain or shift customers as a result. It could be particularly relevant to small business owners who currently face restrictions on where they can legally source their alcohol inventory.

The bill was introduced in the House Small Business Committee and is currently being held for further study, meaning lawmakers have not yet moved it forward. A hearing is scheduled for March 2026, so it remains in early stages of the legislative process.