STATE HOUSE – Two state representatives are looking to supplement the appeal of the state’s farmers markets with wine and beer as a creative strategy to give incentive for wineries and breweries to thrive and do business in Rhode Island.
Representatives Jared R. Nunes (D – Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick) and Teresa Tanzi (D – Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) both agree that the combination of brewers, vineyards and farmers markets makes a lot of sense.
“Marketing is the most important tool for these local businesses, and allowing them to show off their products at the extremely popular local farmers markets will allow them to get some name recognition in the community,” Representative Nunes said. “When people go to farmers markets, they’re there for the experience, not just for the food. With food trucks, live cooking stations and arts and crafts already in the mix, I think being able to sell Rhode Island’s fine wines and locally brewed beer will only enhance that experience and put us on the same level as other states that already allow this.”
The House bill (2013-H 5190) would allow farmer-wineries and farmer-breweries, under certain conditions, to be licensed to sell wine or beer for off-premises consumption at a farmers’ market. The two representatives introduced similar legislation last year, pointing out thatMassachusetts has a similar law in effect.
“We really have to think about creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and lifting barriers so our small business owners can grow and compete with neighboring states,” Representative Tanzi said. “One of the best things about Rhode Island is our diverse terrain and broad support for small-scale farming. Our farmer-owned wineries and breweries may not make up a majority of small businesses here, but they are extremely important in preserving open spaces and making our state more attractive.”
Under provisions of the bill, farmer-wineries and breweries would also be allowed to distribute 1 ounce wine samples at farmers markets, giving no more than five samples to each customer. The legislation also allows for certain protections for licensed farmer-breweries that suffer from crop failure on a given year.
Cosponsors of the House bill include Representatives Michael J. Marcello (D – Dist. 41,Scituate, Cranston), Cale P. Keable (D – Dist. 47, Burrillville, Glocester) and Gregory J. Costantino (D – Dist. 44, Lincoln, Johnston, Smithfield). The House Committee on Corporations held a hearing on the bill last week and recommended to hold it for further study.