Gov. McKee Extends To-Go Alcohol Sales For RI Restaurants

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill Monday that extends allowing authorized Rhode Island restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages to-go.

The legislation extends the coronavirus pandemic policy of allowing eateries across the state to offer certain amounts of beer, wine and mixed drinks with takeout orders, until March 1, 2022. Specifically, businesses with a class B liquor license can continue to offer up to two 750 ml bottles of wine, 72 ounces of a mixed-wine drinks, 144 ounces of beer, and mixed drinks with no more than nine ounces of distilled spirits.

Drinks must be sold in factory-sealed containers or in a container that has been sealed in such a way that it cannot be reopened without obviously showing that the seal was broken or removed. The legislation does not cover delivery orders.

"As we continue Rhode Island's economic recovery, we must support our small businesses and give them the flexibility they need to thrive," McKee said in a statement. "I am proud to sign these bills to support our local restaurant industry and I thank the sponsors and advocates for getting this over the finish line."

The bill passed the Legislature in June and was sponsored by Sen. Hanna Gallo and Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski.

"While we're fortunate that many of the COVID restrictions for businesses have been lifted, the restaurant industry in particular continues to suffer from the devastating economic impact of the last year and a half," Baginski said. "Our restaurants are in desperate need of every cent that comes their way. This legislation will help them stay on the road to recovery."

The governor on Monday also signed a bill that prevents third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and Grubhub from listing a business without its consent.