Rhode Island State Rep Wants 2 Tax Free Weeks For Restaurants

One tax free week would be in the summer and the other in the winter.

By Joseph Hosey, Patch Staff

May 19, 2026 10:50 am EDT

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Rhode Island state representative introduced legislation for restaurants to get two tax free weeks.

State Rep. Megan L. Cotter, D-Exeter, Richmond and Hopkinton, introduced the bill to create two tax-free weeks each year for Rhode Island restaurants.

“This is a bill to help boost small businesses,” Cotter said in a media release.

“Mom-and-pop businesses make up a substantial portion of the restaurant industry," Cotter said.

"A tax-free week is a great way to encourage people to visit a restaurant they’ve never tried, hopefully one they’ll want to visit more often," she said. "This will put more money directly into the hands of servers and small business owners alike and encourage Rhode Islanders to enjoy the many fantastic restaurants we are fortunate to have all over the state.”

The legislation would establish one sales tax-free week in the summer and one in the winter for restaurants statewide. The specific dates would be determined by the General Assembly.

“Rhode Island’s hospitality industry is an economic engine for our state, supporting thousands of jobs, driving tourism and creating vibrant downtowns and main streets in every community," Ryan J. Moot, manager of government affairs at the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, said in the release.

“By temporarily exempting food and beverage purchases from the sales tax, this legislation would encourage more people to dine out, explore local restaurants and support small businesses across Rhode Island," Moot said. "These restaurant weeks have the potential to kickstart economic activity during key times of the year while showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of Rhode Island’s dining scene.”