Rhode Island bars and restaurants will be required to offer drink lids under new law

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A new Rhode Island law will give bar and restaurant customers another option for protecting their drinks.

Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation requiring businesses that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises to provide removable drink lids when a customer asks for one. The law was signed into law in June after the General Assembly approved it. 

The requirement applies to all establishments licensed to serve intoxicating beverages for on-site consumption. Businesses will not have to put lids on every drink automatically. They also will not be required to keep lids that fit every type of glass or container. The law only requires each establishment to have lids that fit at least one type of beverage container it uses. 

Customers may be charged for a lid, but the fee cannot exceed a reasonable amount based on the wholesale cost. Businesses can also provide the lids free of charge. 

The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (2026-S 3000B) and Rep. June S. Speakman (2026-H 7975A), who said the goal is to give people an additional tool to protect themselves from drink spiking.

Lauria said the measure could also serve as a reminder for people to remain aware of the risks associated with tampered drinks.

Speakman said the legislation was driven by the potential consequences of drink spiking rather than a claim that Rhode Island has experienced a particular increase in incidents. 

The final law also includes a first-offense warning for a violation. The enacted version states that the new requirement will take effect January 1, 2027. 

The legislation was modeled after a similar law adopted in California, according to the Rhode Island General Assembly. 

Starting next year, Rhode Islanders who want a lid for their drink will be able to ask a staff member for one at covered establishments.