Sixth Supplemental Emergency Declaration – Economic Support for Restaurants, Bars and Establishments that Offer Food

This Emergency Declaration supplements Executive Order 20-02 issued March 9, 2020.

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I declared a state of emergency due to the dangers to health and life posed by COVID-19;

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-04 prohibiting on premises consumption at restaurants, bars and establishments that offer food or drink, while permitting such establishments to continue to offer food and non-alcoholic beverages for take-out and delivery in accordance with social distancing protocols and guidance set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH);

WHEREAS, restaurants, bars and other establishments that serve food are a vital part of Rhode Island's hospitality industry and the inability of such establishments that hold Class B liquor licenses to sell alcoholic beverages is adversely impacting these businesses; and

WHEREAS, the ability to sell wine or beer with an order of food for off-premises consumption will provide a measure of temporary economic relief to establishments impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, pursuant to Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution and the Rhode Island General Laws, including, but not limited to, Title 30, Chapter 15, do hereby order and direct the following:

1. . The provision in R.I. Gen. Laws§ 3-7-7 requiring a Class B licensee to sell beer and wine only for consumption on the premises is hereby suspended.
2. A Class B licensee will be permitted to sell up to 2 bottles of wine and 144 ounces of beer in original factory sealed containers, with take-out food orders, provided such sales shall be made in accordance with§ 1.4.10 of the Department of Business Regulation Liquor Control Administration Regulations, 23 0-RICR-3 0-10-1.
3. Any restaurant, bar or establishment that offers beer or wine pursuant to this Executive Order must do so in accordance with the social distancing protocols and guidance set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

This Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in full force and effect until March 30, 2020 unless renewed, modified, or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor