State puts a cork in retailers’ wine dinners and tasting events

[Lisa Magnuson]

Rhode Island’s liquor control board issued a bulletin stating that a “retail liquor store licensee cannot jointly promote or advertise a wine tasting or sampling event with a . . . restaurant.” http://www.examiner.com/x-14504-Providence-Wine-Examiner~y2009m12d4..." target="_blank">Read more . . .

Marc (the wine guy) has already blogged about this topic, but it is worth repeating and it is vital that wine lovers get their voice heard. Please contact your local representative or the department of business regulations and tell them that this is nonsense!

Thank you.

[Mr. Ritz]

If a formatted letter/petition gets created please let me know. I'd be happy to spread the word on this.

[Marc Guillotte]

I think a letter and email campaign is a great idea. I'd sign it and get it signed.

[Andrea Sloan]

I think we need to draft one letter, and have it signed by all distributors, retailers, restaurants, and even non-profits, who are often the beneficiaries of wine tasting events. Everyone in the wine and food industry is probably pretty crunched for time right now, but after the new year, we should be able to get our acts together, write a letter, and present our case. Then we'll see what happens.

[Marc Guillotte]

Thanks for the support and a great article in the Providence Wine Examiner. I've heard from several people who have asked me what they can do about it. Carol from Colonial Wine and Spirits has drafted a letter for her local state representative. I sent a letter to both my state Senator and my State Rep. I would suggest that everyone do the same, and sent an inquiry to the Department of Business Regulations as well. No wine dinners, close out pricing, senoir or military discounts does not sound like something the public would be clamoring for. I'm sure most people aren't aware.