How to Get a Bartending License in Rhode Island

To get a bartending license in Rhode Island, you need to complete several steps including applying for a liquor license, completing an alcohol server training certification, and ensuring compliance with all state tax obligations. The process may vary slightly depending on the specific municipality where your entity resides.

1. Apply for a Liquor License

• Purpose: To legally sell or serve alcoholic beverages in Rhode Island.
• Instructions: Apply for the license through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation if you're a manufacturer or wholesaler, or from the municipality where your entity resides for any other type of liquor license. If you're applying for the first time, you're required to complete and submit a Letter of Good Standing, which is Section 2 of the application. After the initial year, you need to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing annually from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. This certificate is required to renew and maintain your liquor license, which is valid from December 1st through November 30th each year. To obtain this certificate, you must be compliant and in good standing with all state tax obligations. You can review your compliance by logging into the RI Division of Taxation’s Tax Portal.

2. Complete Alcohol Server Training Certification

• Purpose: To ensure that all persons who sell or serve alcoholic beverages are trained in responsible alcohol service.
• Estimated Cost: $30.00 for the ServSafe Alcohol® Training program, $29.95 for the CARE program.
• Instructions: Complete an alcohol server training certification from a Rhode Island approved program within sixty (60) days of your first day of employment, with a score of 75 or above. Two approved programs are the ServSafe Alcohol® Fundamentals of Responsible Alcohol Service Program and the Controlling Alcohol Risks Effectively® (CARE) program.

3. Apply for a License in Providence (if applicable)

• Purpose: To legally sell or serve alcoholic beverages in the city of Providence.
• Instructions: Apply through the City of Providence’s Board of Licenses. You can apply for a new license or renew your current license online at any time. The application for business licenses is available online.

FAQs

• How long is the alcohol server training certification valid for? The certificate is only valid for 3 years.
• What happens after I submit my application for a license in Providence? Once your application is received via the online system, a staff member reviews the application and all supplemental documents. Then, the staff determines whether the application is complete and a hearing is scheduled before the Board of License Commissioners.
• What are the requirements for renewing a liquor license in Providence? A liquor license renewal will not be issued until the following conditions are met: Good Standing with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, City of Providence Tax Clearance, Food Business License from the RI Department of Health (if applicable), Police/Fire detail, special event permitting fees and other City service fees paid or cleared, and Certificate of Liability Insurance. The required minimum coverage for the insurance is $300,000.

Useful Information Source Links

• Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
• Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation
• City of Providence’s Board of Licenses
• Providence License Renewals
• South Kingstown Liquor License Rules & Regulations

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