We hear these questions all the time – “how can I get a liquor license?”, “why aren’t there more liquor licenses?” or “who currently has a liquor license (and is for sale)?” So, here’s our attempt at making sense of the liquor license scene here in Newport, RI.
In Rhode Island, the quantity of liquor licenses in cities and towns are based on per capita. Therefore, all of Newport’s liquor licenses are currently spoken for, meaning no one can just go in front of Newport City Council and ask for one. Those looking for a liquor license must buy a business or buy a license that’s already out there.
There are also several other types of liquor licenses available in Newport. For example, caterers who serve alcohol will be required to procure a liquor license. There are also a few very specialized licenses for Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center, Newport Yachting Center and the private clubs. Not-for-Profit Clubs may apply for a different liquor license, too.
Current Inventory Of Liquor License Here In Newport
As of October 14, 2015
All liquor licenses are up for 2015-2016 Liquor License Renewal and will be heard by the Board Of License Commissioners on October 28, 2015 at 6:30pm in the Cafetorium at the Pell School.
No Class B or Class C license shall be renewed if the applicant has ceased to operate its business for a period of ninety (90) days or more immediately prior to the date of the expiration of the license.
Class A – (Package Store)
A wholesaler’s license, Class A, authorizes the holder to keep for sale and to sell malt beverages and wines at wholesale at the place described to holders of licenses under this title within this state and to holders of wholesale licenses in other states and the transportation and delivery from the place of sale to those license holders or to a common carrier for that delivery.The license shall not authorize the sale of malt beverages or wines for consumption on the premises where sold nor their sale for their delivery outside this state in violation of the law of the place of delivery.
- Wellington Square (Currently For Sale)
- Liquors, Sully’s Beer Wine & Liquor
- Bucci Combination Store (Currently For Sale)
- Bellevue Wine & Spirits
- Fifth Ward Liquor
- Harry’s Liquor Store
- Rex Liquors
- Rum Runner
- Andrew’s Liquors
- Bridge Liquors
- Island Wine & Spirits
- Newport Wine Cellar
- Downtown Liquors
- Spring Street Spirits
- Vicker’s Liquors
Class BH
Except Class B-H alcoholic beverage licensees, all alcoholic beverages must be served, dispensed or sold by an employee or owner of a licensed retail liquor establishment.Alcoholic beverages may not be served or dispensed by a patron, provided however, hotel service “mini bars” shall be permitted if said hotel holds a valid B-H alcoholic beverage license, but said “mini bars” shall only be allowed in the room of a registered hotel guest who is at least twenty one (21) years of age
Pursuant to the authority of the General Laws of the state, the maximum number of Class BH licenses allowed in Newport is 3. All are spoken for.
- Forty 1 North
- Hotel Viking
- Cliffside Inn
Class BL – Class B Limited (Beer and Wine)
Pursuant to the authority of the General Laws of the state, the maximum number of Class BL licenses allowed in Newport is 11. All are spoken for.
- Mission
- Newport Tokyo House
- Mama Leones
- Mamma Luisa
- Norey’s Star Restaurant
- Nikolas Pizza
- Lucia Italian Restaurant
- Tallulah on Thames
- Thai Cuisine
- AREA (currently not assigned to a particular address)
- Wharf Pub & Raw Bar
Class BT – Class B Tavern (Hotel)
In the granting of alcoholic beverage tavern licenses (also referred to as a Class B-T), the licensing authority must ascertain that the taverns are, in fact, operating or about to be operated with reasonable sleeping accommodations as well as kitchens properly equipped and in
use, or ready to be put in use.
Pursuant to the authority of the General Laws of the state, the maximum number of Class BT licenses allowed in Newport is 11. All are spoken for.
- Castle Hill Inn
- Chanler At Cliff Walk
- Hyatt Regency
- Forty 1 North
- Vanderbilt Grace
- Hotel Viking
- Mainstay Inn
- Newport Marriott Hotel
- Ocean Cliff
- The Port
- Saltwater
- Surf Club (a.k.a. Perry Mill Tavern/Rhino Bar)
Class BV – Class B Victualer (Restaurant)
An applicant for a Class B alcoholic beverage license (also referred to as a Class B-V) may be granted a license subject to, but not limited to, the following terms and conditions: (1) Demonstration to the satisfaction of the licensing board that a kitchen is established on the proposed premises as evidenced by a certificate of occupancy from the local building official and inspection and approval by the Department of Health. (2) Furnishing to the licensing authority a copy of the proposed menu
and food services to be provided.
Pursuant to the authority of the General Laws of the state, the maximum number of Class BV licenses allowed in Newport is 56. All are spoken for.
- @ The Deck
- Mudville Pub
- 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille
- Fifth Element
- Rhumbline Restaurant (Recently sold, currently being reviewed for transfer)
- 99 Restaurant
- Willy’s
- Jo’s American Bistro
- The Barking Crab
- Belle Mer
- Scales & Shells
- Gas Lamp Grille
- Tavern on Broadway
- One Pelham East
- Speakeasy Bar & Grill
- Celtica
- Clarke Cooke House
- Diego’s
- Riptides
- Star Bar
- The Fastnet
- O’brien’s Pub
- Canfield House (Recently Sold, currently being reviewed for transfer)
- Regatta Place
- Griswold’s Tavern
- Hillside Cafe (aka Cappy’s)
- Jimmy’s Saloon
- Perro Salado
- La Forge Casino
- Malt
- Marina Cafe
- Pour Judgement
- Benjamins
- Midtown Oyster Bar
- Mooring Restaurant
- Smokehouse
- The Black Pearl
- The Pier
- Newport Playhouse & Cabaret
- The Landing
- Hope
- Buskers
- Parlor
- Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen
- Pasta Beach
- Brick Alley Pub
- Newport Grand
- Stoneacre Pantry
- Red Parrot
- Bouchard & Revolving Door
- Cafe Zelda
- Sardella’s Restaurant
- Caleb & Broad
- Newport Blues Cafe
- Dockside
- Yesterday’s (Recently closed, unknown what plan for license is)
Class C – Saloon
Holders of retailers’ Class C alcoholic beverage licenses shall not sell or serve any beverages nor be open for business prior to 12:00 o’clock noon on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, provided, however, that local boards may authorize places operating under a Class C
license to be open on New Year’s Day.
Pursuant to the authority of the General Laws of the state, the maximum number of Class C licenses allowed in Newport is 1. All are spoken for.
- Salvation Cafe
Class D – Full Privilege or Beer and Wine
A Class D license authorized the sale of beverages to members of the licensed club or their guests, which beverages are to be consumed on the premises where sold and nowhere else.
Pursuant to the authority of the General Laws of the state, the maximum number of Class D licenses allowed in Newport is 16. 15 are spoken for.
- Ancient Order of Hibernians
- Ida Lewis Yacht Club
- Irish American Athletic Club
- New York yacht Club Harbour Court
- Newport Country Club
- Elk’s Club
- Newport Reading Room
- Newport Yacht Club
- Newport Sportsmans Club
- Kerry Hill Club
- Protective Club
- Pyramid Club
- Bailey’s Beach
- IYAC Club
- Vasco Da Gama Portuguese American
Class J
- Newport Yachting Center
Class K
Pursuant to the authority of the General Laws of the state, the maximum number of Class K licenses allowed in Newport is 1. All are spoken for.
- White Horse Tavern
Liquor (Class T)
Pursuant to the authority of the General Laws of the state, the maximum number of Class T licenses allowed in Newport is 1. All are spoken for.
- Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center
What Does A Liquor License Cost?
Some liquor license have rumored to have been sold in Newport, RI recently for $100 – $300k.
Here’s the current State Of Rhode Island liquor license fee.
- Wholesale Class A: $2,000
- Wholesale Class B: $4,000
- Distillery: $3,000
- Brewery: $500
- Winery: $1,500 (producing more than 50k gallons)
- Winery: $500 (producing less than 50k gallons)
- Farmer Winter: $1,500 (producing more than 50k gallons)
- Farmer Winery: $500 (producing more than 50k gallons)
- Brewpub Manufacturer: $1,000 (producing more than 50k gallons)
- Brewpub Manufacturer: $500 (producing less than 50k gallons)
- Rectifier: $3,000
The following fees for permits and licenses issued by the City Of Newport:
| 1. | Alcoholic Beverage Licenses. | ||
| Class A (Package Store) | $ 1,000.00 | per year | |
| Class B Tavern (Hotel) | 2,000.00 | per year | |
| Class B Limited (Beer and Wine) | 1,500.00 | per year | |
| Class B Victualer (Restaurant) | 2,000.00 | per year | |
| Class C (Saloon) | 800.00 | per year | |
| Class D (Full Privilege) | 800.00 | per year | |
| Class D (Beer and Wine) | 400.00 | per year | |
| Class E (Druggist) | 200.00 | per year | |
| Class F (Beer and Wine) | 15.00 | per day | |
| Class F-1 (Full Privilege) | 35.00 | per day | |
| Class J | 2,000.00 | per year | |
| Class B-H | 500.00 | per year | |
| Class T | 500.00 | per year | |
| Renewal — All Classes | 25.00 | per year | |
Have something to add? E-mail Ryan@whatsupnewp.com
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