Rhode Island: Are happy hour drink specials legal?
Rhode Island bans happy hours; bars may offer only 'daily specials' with one fixed price for the whole day.
State law bars licensees from advertising or promoting happy hours, open bars, two-for-one nights, or free drink specials. State rules say happy hours and similar activities are banned under that law. A special price that applies all day is allowed. Open bars are allowed only at private, invitation-only events.
Conditions
- Daily specials must apply at one fixed price for the whole calendar day
- No advertising of happy hours, open bars, two-for-one nights or free drink specials
- Open bars only at private, invitation-only events
What the law says
Happy hour and any similar type activities are prohibited under R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-26(b)(1); however, “daily specials” are not expressly prohibited thereunder. For purposes of § 1.4.16 of this Part, “daily specials” means a special fixed price charged for a drink purchased during any time in a single calendar day.
Sources
- 230-RICR-30-10-1 § 1.4.16 (On-premise retail drink specials) Official · rules.sos.ri.gov
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-7-26(b) Official · webserver.rilegislature.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Commercial Licensing (Liquor)
- Website
- dbr.ri.gov
How bordering states compare
- Connecticut Allowed with limitsConnecticut allows drink specials but bans unlimited drinks for a fixed price and serving more than one drink at a time.
- Massachusetts Happy hour bannedMassachusetts bans happy hours: bars must charge the same drink price all week.
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