Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced on May 7 that Class B permit restaurants were able to sell mixed cocktails in sealed containers with takeout food orders, along with wine and beer already allowed.
The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) said it had been advocating for the expansion of alcohol takeout sales for several weeks as the coronavirus pandemic safety measures, which included prohibiting on-premise dining, has taken a hard toll on the hospitality industry. The enactment includes the ability to sell the following:
- 72 oz. mixed drinks with no more than 9 oz. of alcohol in a sealed container
- 144 oz. growlers
- Canned alcoholic beverage
- Two bottles of wine
- 144 oz. bottled/canned beer
Draft beer or mixed beverages that are not in factory sealed containers should be put into a bottle, growler or plastic container, such as “deli” cups, with a secure cover or lid, and the licensee will affix a tape closure (initialed and dated) over the cover/lid. If the container does not accommodate a tape closure then the container can be put into a bag and the tape closure (initialed and dated) affixed to close the bag.
RIHA advises that businesses call their liquor liability insurance to ensure that coverage includes liquor takeout orders.
The state’s stay-at-home order will be lifted on Saturday, May 9, and the state will move into phase one of Gov. Raimondo’s plan to reopen the economy. The following restrictions will remain in place until May 22, 2020: the social gathering limit will remain at five people; people traveling into the state from out of state must quarantine for 14 days; and restaurants will remain closed for on-premise dining.
This article will be updated with more information as soon as it becomes available.
