RI Caterers Now Have Access to Statewide Liquor License

January 2004

By Dale J. Venturini
President & CEO RI Hospitality and Tourism Association

After nearly a decade of fighting, caterers in Rhode Island now have access to a statewide liquor license through the RI Department of Business Regulation. This represents a win for the hospitality and tourism industry and especially a win for the general public in need of catering.

For too many years, the law made it extremely difficult for caterers to access liquor licenses and liquor liability insurance, and cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue. By allowing caterers access to liquor licenses through the Department of Business Regulation, it will streamline efficiency and boost overall economic impact.

Prior to the bill’s passing, the law stipulated that whenever liquor was to be served at an event, caterers had to apply for a liquor license with the local licensing board in the town where the function was to be held. Because many local liquor boards meet only once or twice a month, getting heard before the board was extremely difficult. Caterers were not able to get liquor licenses and liability insurance, and were often forced to not serve alcohol or to give up the catering job altogether.

Under the new law, licensed caterers are eligible to apply for a Class P liquor license from the Department of Business Regulation. RIHTA has been working with the Department of Business Regulation in support of this move. The license is valid in all Rhode Island cities and towns for one year and must be renewed annually.

Restaurants that wish to caterer events that serve alcohol off-premises also need a Caterers Liquor License. In addition, a separate license from the RI Department of Health is also necessary for any off-premise food service. This license is in addition to a restaurant’s existing license. An application for this license can be obtained by calling the RI Department of Health or visiting the website at http://www.healthri.org/.

This new law makes doing business in Rhode Island a little easier for caterers. In what has been such a difficult climate for the hospitality industry this past year, we need positive measures like the Caterers Liquor License to help increase our industry’s productivity and revenue.

About the Rhode Island and Tourism Association:

With more than 500 foodservice and hospitality members in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association has been the voice of the hospitality and tourism industry in the state for 19 years. For more information regarding the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association, please visit http://www.rihospitality.org/.