How to get a Liquor License in Rhode Island?

Obtaining a liquor license in Rhode Island involves a multi-step process that includes applying for a permit, ensuring compliance with state tax obligations, and renewing the license annually. The type of license you need depends on the nature of your business, with licenses for manufacturers and wholesalers issued through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, while all other licenses are issued by the municipality where your business is located.

1. Determine the Type of License Needed

• Purpose: To identify the appropriate license for your business.
• Instructions: If you are a manufacturer or wholesaler, your license will be issued through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. All other licenses are issued by the city or town where your business is located.

2. Apply for a Liquor License

• Purpose: To legally sell alcoholic beverages in Rhode Island.
• Instructions: Complete and submit a Letter of Good Standing, as shown in Section 2 of the application. You can apply for a new license or renew your current license online at the City of Providence’s Board of Licenses.

3. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing

• Purpose: To verify that you are compliant and in good standing with all state tax obligations.
• Instructions: After the initial year, a taxpayer holding a liquor license is required to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing annually from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. You can review your compliance to any tax obligations by logging in to the RI Division of Taxation’s Tax Portal.

4. Renew Your Liquor License Annually

• Purpose: To maintain your ability to legally sell alcoholic beverages in Rhode Island.
• Instructions: Each year, a Certificate of Good Standing application is required. The renewal application is accessible via the email address used to create your last application in Viewpoint. The annual deadline to submit your liquor license renewal application and the $100.00 advertisement fee is October 1.

Useful Information Source Links

• Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
• City of Providence’s Board of Licenses
• RI Division of Taxation’s Tax Portal

FAQs

• How do I renew my liquor license in Rhode Island? You can renew your liquor license annually by submitting a Certificate of Good Standing application. The renewal application is accessible via the email address used to create your last application in Viewpoint. The annual deadline to submit your liquor license renewal application and the $100.00 advertisement fee is October 1.
• What is a Certificate of Good Standing and why do I need it? A Certificate of Good Standing is a document that verifies that you are compliant and in good standing with all state tax obligations. It is required annually in order to renew and maintain an annual liquor license in Rhode Island.
• Where do I apply for a liquor license in Rhode Island? If you are a manufacturer or wholesaler, your license will be issued through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. All other licenses are issued by the city or town where the business is located. You can apply for a new license or renew your current license online at the City of Providence’s Board of Licenses.

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