R.I. Gen. Laws
Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-6-16 (2026)

Purchases by wholesalers from distilleries, wineries, rectifiers, breweries and certain importers only

✓ current as of July 2026
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(a) The holders of wholesale licenses in this state shall purchase beverages only from the distillery, rectifier, winery or brewery manufacturing the beverages or from the importer holding the basic contract with a foreign supplier whereby that foreign supplier exports distilled spirits, wines or malt beverages into the United States. Any wholesaler, who, prior to May 16, 1975, has made regular purchases from the agent specifically designated by a distillery, rectifier, winery, brewery or importer for the express purpose of making sales of distilled spirits, wines or malt beverages to wholesalers in states other than the one in which the agent is licensed and located, may continue to make those purchases from the agent.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to purchases by wholesalers in this state from other wholesalers in this state nor shall the provisions of this section apply to purchases of distilled spirits, wines or malt beverages by wholesalers in this state from wholesalers in another state who sell the same brand of distilled spirits, wines or malt beverages if those purchases are made only to fill in temporary shortages of inventory.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 1 case, 1987–1987 · leading case: Lawrence v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc., 523 A.2d 864 (R.I. 1987).
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Lawrence v. Anheuser-Busch, Inc., 523 A.2d 864 (R.I. 1987). · cites it 2× “1956 (1976 Reenactment) §§ 3-6-16 and 3-7-18. 3 In fact, as is noted by plaintiffs themselves, the scheme is designed to prevent any influence by a manufacturer over a wholesaler, or by a manufacturer or wholesaler over a retailer, see §§ 3-6-15 and 3-7-22 — thus prohibiting in…”
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