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lestermagnum t1_j8pt2fm wrote

I heard they canceled it when the state voted against letting grocery and convenience stores sell beer and wine.

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mightynifty_2 t1_j8rk4wg wrote

They really should allow that again. If people have to go to the liquor store itself they're more likely to stock up and have more alcohol around, but allowing grocery stores to sell it would mean they're more likely to just grab what they need.

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AHoneyNamedRenee OP t1_j8q08an wrote

Is this why Phred's drug store closed? There were 3 drug stores that sold lq that I know of. Phred's, Cameron's, and a drug store on the corner of Broad and Norwood in Edgewood.

Costco doesn't need to sell lq. Our Aldi's don't.. everyone else's does. I don't get it.

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DrGeraldBaskums t1_j8r43vz wrote

No Phreds was grandfathered in and could sell liquor whenever. CVS bought them out.

I believe Costco is the largest individual chain/seller of booze in America. It’s kind of their thing.

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kayakyakr t1_j8rhe87 wrote

They also open separate but attached liquor stores anywhere the laws don't allow them to sell liquor in the warehouse. You doing even have to be a member to shop at the liquor stores.

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JPLemme t1_j8rszq8 wrote

That's not quite right. CVS bought their pharmacy, but not the liquor license. A company called Lancran purchased the remainder thinking the license would transfer. Wines and More sued saying that license was terminated when Phred's was sold, and won the lawsuit on 1-AUG-2019.

(I'm paraphrasing--it was something about Class A and E licenses being split, yada yada. Feel free to read the decision here: https://dbr.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur696/files/documents/decisions/CL_Decision-WinesAndMore.pdf)

It does explain why for several years the building and sign were still standing but with the words "Food" and "Drugs" pried off (but "Liquor" still there).

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