Rhode Island § 3-8-4 - Regulation of Sales
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 3-8-4 — Regulation of Sales, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-8-4. Regulation of Sales
R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-8-4
§ 3-8-4. Drinking by or hiring of underage persons.
(a) Use of a credit card for the purchase of beverages may be permitted by all classes of license holders and, notwithstanding the purchase of alcoholic beverages by credit card, license holders shall not sell or furnish beverages to any person who has not reached his or her twenty-first (21st) birthday to drink any beverage upon any licensed premises.
(b) Licensees shall not hire any persons who have not reached their eighteenth (18th) birthday to sell or serve beverages in any place where those beverages may be consumed on the premises where sold.
(c) License holders may enforce a prohibition against any patron who has not reached his or her twenty-first birthday from entering the licensed establishment after ten o’clock (10:00) p.m..
History of Section.
P.L. 1933, ch. 2013, § 19; P.L. 1934, ch. 2088, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 165, § 2; G.L.
1956, § 3-8-4; P.L. 1980, ch. 142, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 155,
§ 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 614, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 71, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 3-8-4
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 3-8-4 cover?
Section 3-8-4 ("Regulation of Sales") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 3-8-4?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 3-8-4" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 3-8-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.