Bill is designed to help small businesses, promote ‘beer tourism’ industry in
Rhode Island
Legislation cosponsored by Rep. Teresa Tanzi
to allow breweries, distilleries and wineries to sell limited amounts of their
products to visitors for sampling and off-site consumption has passed the House
of Representatives.
The bill is intended to assist microbreweries, in
particular, which are banned entirely from selling their products at retail at
their plants under current law, but would like to do so to be part of the
growing “beer tourism” industry.
“Microbreweries are a growing sector in Rhode Island,
and we should give these hardworking small businesses the opportunity they need
to get their products into the hands of consumers, who have been asking us for
increased access. Many don’t realize the value these small manufacturers add to
our economy, and increased sales will equal more revenue and more hiring
locally,” said Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown,
Narragansett).
Additionally, it would enable them to
sell up to 72 ounces per person per day to each visitor for consumption on the
premises, allowing visitors to sample their products before purchasing. The
limits are designed to allow visitors to take home up to the equivalent of four
six-packs of 12-ounce bottles, while also accommodating growlers, the larger
jugs popular among craft beer aficionados.
Andy Tran, owner and founder of Whaler’s Brewing in
Wakefield, said, “The bill is a step forward for modern small business
regulation. It helps both Whalers and Rhode Island finally grow and be
competitive in this dynamic industry.”
Legislators worked with local brewers to develop the
legislation, including Dorian Rave, the owner of Ravenous Brewing Company in
Woonsocket.
Rave said being able to let visitors sample and leave
with his products is critical to building his brand, and without that ability,
it’s hard to attract visitors and spread awareness of his company.
“We’re a little off the beaten path in Woonsocket, and
this gives people a reason to visit. It gives us the opportunity to provide
samples and let the public try our product to increase knowledge of it,” said
Rave. “It also levels the playing field, since we’re surrounded by states that
already allow it.”
Brent Ryan, the owner of Newport Storm Brewery and
president of the Rhode Island Brewers Guild said tremendous growth of the beer
tourism industry over the last decade has helped small breweries develop a
following, and Rhode Island should help its brewers take part.
“Changing the rules, encouraging visitation, helps us
get our brands out. These are small companies that don’t have big marketing
budgets,” he said.
The bill passed the House May 19, and has been
transferred to the Senate. Other cosponsors include Rep. Stephen M. Casey (D-Dist.
50, Woonsocket), Rep. Jean Philippe Barros (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) and Rep.
Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown).