April 2006
By Dale J. Venturini
President and CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association
As diners walk into the entrances of their favorite restaurants, they may notice a commemorative plaque or magazine article noting the restaurant’s award-winning wine selection. With restaurants putting a lot of thought and effort into creating their wine lists, wine has become an integral part of the dine-out experience.
And yet, restaurant diners may retreat from ordering a bottle of wine with their dinner because they are hesitant to spend money on a bottle they know they will be unable to finish. Worse, they may order a bottle of wine and feel inclined to finish the entire bottle, which, needless to say, is an unwanted result that can lead to disastrous consequences.
The Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association recently submitted legislation to give consumers the choice to order a bottle of wine and save the rest for another time, rather than have the unfinished portion and the money spent on it wasted. Thirty-four states have passed some form of “Wine to Go” or “Merlot to Go” legislation, which includes every New England state including Massachusetts, where legislation passed in early March. Adding Rhode Island to this ever-growing list would be a win-win for the hospitality industry and restaurant patrons alike.
Under the proposed legislation, restaurant patrons who purchase a full meal would be permitted to take home their opened bottle of wine, which will be securely sealed, bagged, and labeled with the date of purchase. The seal would also be secured in a way where it would be evident if it were broken before the bottle reached the patron’s home. Because the bottle will be sealed, bagged and transported in the trunk of a vehicle – or behind the last upright seat in the rear of the vehicle for automobiles without trunks – patrons will be in compliance with the state’s current open-container laws.
This law isn’t just about being able to take an open bottle of wine home. It is about giving restaurant patrons a greater range of options when dining out. Instead of being limited to ordering from the ‘by the glass’ wine menu, diners can select the exact wine of their liking from an expanded ‘by the bottle’ list. Diners may also be more apt to experiment with new tastes and different varieties of wine when they don’t have to worry about leaving an unfinished bottle behind. And, the patrons who enjoy the wine they had at a restaurant only to forget its brand name or varietal can now repeat their purchase at a restaurant or package store, easier. What this creates is a clientele of diners who are more comfortable and confident when ordering wine, enhancing their dining experience. What this can mean for restaurants are higher check averages, which results in higher tips for servers and a stronger bottom line for restaurateurs.
“Wine to Go” is a safe, effective solution that promotes responsible, enjoyable consumption of wine, and encourages wine-lovers to indulge in their favorite bottle when dining. Rhode Island is ready for “Wine to Go.”
To track the legislation endorsed by the Association and currently under review by the General Assembly, visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText06/SenateText06/S2194.pdf to view Senate bill 2194.
By Dale J. Venturini
President and CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association
As diners walk into the entrances of their favorite restaurants, they may notice a commemorative plaque or magazine article noting the restaurant’s award-winning wine selection. With restaurants putting a lot of thought and effort into creating their wine lists, wine has become an integral part of the dine-out experience.
And yet, restaurant diners may retreat from ordering a bottle of wine with their dinner because they are hesitant to spend money on a bottle they know they will be unable to finish. Worse, they may order a bottle of wine and feel inclined to finish the entire bottle, which, needless to say, is an unwanted result that can lead to disastrous consequences.
The Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association recently submitted legislation to give consumers the choice to order a bottle of wine and save the rest for another time, rather than have the unfinished portion and the money spent on it wasted. Thirty-four states have passed some form of “Wine to Go” or “Merlot to Go” legislation, which includes every New England state including Massachusetts, where legislation passed in early March. Adding Rhode Island to this ever-growing list would be a win-win for the hospitality industry and restaurant patrons alike.
Under the proposed legislation, restaurant patrons who purchase a full meal would be permitted to take home their opened bottle of wine, which will be securely sealed, bagged, and labeled with the date of purchase. The seal would also be secured in a way where it would be evident if it were broken before the bottle reached the patron’s home. Because the bottle will be sealed, bagged and transported in the trunk of a vehicle – or behind the last upright seat in the rear of the vehicle for automobiles without trunks – patrons will be in compliance with the state’s current open-container laws.
This law isn’t just about being able to take an open bottle of wine home. It is about giving restaurant patrons a greater range of options when dining out. Instead of being limited to ordering from the ‘by the glass’ wine menu, diners can select the exact wine of their liking from an expanded ‘by the bottle’ list. Diners may also be more apt to experiment with new tastes and different varieties of wine when they don’t have to worry about leaving an unfinished bottle behind. And, the patrons who enjoy the wine they had at a restaurant only to forget its brand name or varietal can now repeat their purchase at a restaurant or package store, easier. What this creates is a clientele of diners who are more comfortable and confident when ordering wine, enhancing their dining experience. What this can mean for restaurants are higher check averages, which results in higher tips for servers and a stronger bottom line for restaurateurs.
“Wine to Go” is a safe, effective solution that promotes responsible, enjoyable consumption of wine, and encourages wine-lovers to indulge in their favorite bottle when dining. Rhode Island is ready for “Wine to Go.”
To track the legislation endorsed by the Association and currently under review by the General Assembly, visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText06/SenateText06/S2194.pdf to view Senate bill 2194.
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