Rhode Island Senate Bill S2142

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/22
• Refer: 1/25/22

Caption

General Provisions - Manufacturing And Wholesale Licenses

Impact

The proposed changes would significantly impact the state's alcoholic beverage regulations by facilitating easier access for local farmers to enter the brewing and distilling business. It allows farmer-breweries and distilleries to sell their products both wholesale and retail, which could lead to increased local competition in the alcoholic beverage market. Additionally, it places a focus on the necessity for these farms to cultivate crops relevant to their production without the need for extensive licensing hurdles that exist for non-farming entities.

Summary

Bill S2142 proposes amendments to the existing laws regarding the manufacturing and wholesale licensing of alcoholic beverages in Rhode Island. The act seeks to introduce licenses specifically for farmer-breweries and farmer-distilleries, aiming to promote local agricultural production of alcoholic beverages. By enabling farms that grow specific crops suitable for brewing and distilling to obtain these licenses, the bill is designed to support local economies and encourage the emergence of domestic craft breweries and distilleries.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to bolster local economies, there may be points of contention regarding how these new licenses fit into the established framework for alcoholic beverage regulation. Critics could argue that this may lead to a dilution of regulations designed to ensure responsible alcohol distribution. Stakeholders may express concerns about the impact on existing businesses and the potential oversight challenges presented by an increase in farmers entering the alcohol market without prior experience in alcohol manufacturing or distribution.