Section 3-14-1. – Short title.

§ 3-14-1. Short title. This chapter shall be known as the “Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act”. History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.

Section 3-14-10. – Settlement — Release — Contributions — Indemnity.

§ 3-14-10. Settlement — Release — Contributions — Indemnity. (a) A plaintiff’s settlement and proper release of either the intoxicated tortfeasor or a defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, will not bar potential claims against any other defendant(s). (b) The amount paid to a plaintiff in consideration for the settlement and proper release of any […]

Section 3-14-11. – Statute of limitations.

§ 3-14-11. Statute of limitations. Any action under this chapter against a defendant alleging negligent or reckless conduct must be brought within three (3) years after the cause of action accrues. History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.

Section 3-14-12. – Evidence of responsible serving practices.

§ 3-14-12. Evidence of responsible serving practices. (a) Proof of defendant’s responsible serving practices is admissible as evidence that the server was not negligent or reckless. Responsible serving practices include, but are not limited to: (1) Defendant’s and defendant’s employees’ attendance at a server education training course; and (2) Defendant’s implementation, at the time of […]

Section 3-14-13. – Privileges.

§ 3-14-13. Privileges. (a) No licensee is liable for damages resulting from a good faith refusal to serve liquor to any individual who: (1) Fails to show proper identification of age; (2) Reasonably appears to be a minor; or (3) Is refused service in a good faith effort to prevent him or her from becoming […]

Section 3-14-14. – Repealed.

§ 3-14-14. Repealed. History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 158, § 2, effective June 30, 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 274, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.

Section 3-14-15. – Repealed.

§ 3-14-15. Repealed. History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 36, § 14, effective July 1, 1996.

Section 3-14-2. – Purposes.

§ 3-14-2. Purposes. (a) Primary legislative purpose. The primary legislative purpose of this chapter is to prevent intoxication-related injuries, deaths and other damages among Rhode Island’s population. (b) Secondary purposes. The secondary legislative purposes are: (1) To establish a legal basis for obtaining compensation for those suffering damages as a result of intoxication related incidents […]

Section 3-14-3. – Definitions.

§ 3-14-3. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Adult” means any person twenty-one (21) years of age or older. (b) “Intoxicated individual” means an individual who is in a state of intoxication as defined by this chapter. (c) “Intoxication” means a substantial […]

Section 3-14-4. – Plaintiffs.

§ 3-14-4. Plaintiffs. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), any person who suffers damage, as provided in § 3-14-8, may bring an action under this chapter. This chapter shall not be construed to limit any currently existing common law or statutory right. (b) The following persons may not bring an action under this chapter […]

Section 3-14-5. – Defendants.

§ 3-14-5. Defendants. The following persons who commit an act giving rise to liability, as provided in § 3-14-6, may be made defendants to a claim under this chapter: (1) An alcoholic beverage retail licensee, and any employee or agent of this licensee; or (2) Any person who, at the time of an act giving […]

Section 3-14-6. – Liability for negligent service of liquor.

§ 3-14-6. Liability for negligent service of liquor. (a) A defendant, as described in § 3-14-5, who negligently serves liquor to a minor is liable for damages proximately caused by the minor’s consumption of the liquor. (b) A defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, who negligently serves liquor to a visibly intoxicated individual is liable […]

Section 3-14-7. – Liability for reckless service of liquor.

§ 3-14-7. Liability for reckless service of liquor. (a) A defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, who recklessly provides liquor to a minor is liable for damages proximately caused by that minor’s consumption of the liquor. (b) A defendant, as defined in § 3-14-5, who recklessly serves liquor to a visibly intoxicated individual is liable […]

Section 3-14-8. – Damages.

§ 3-14-8. Damages. (a) Damages may be awarded for all injuries recognized under Rhode Island common or statutory law. (b) Punitive damages may be awarded in all actions based on reckless conduct, as set forth in § 3-14-7(c). Punitive damages may not be awarded for actions based on negligent conduct, as set forth in § […]

Section 3-14-9. – Common law claims and defenses.

§ 3-14-9. Common law claims and defenses. Common law claims and defenses applicable to tort actions based on negligence and recklessness in this state shall not be limited by this chapter. History of Section.P.L. 1986, ch. 537, § 2.