Rhode Island General Laws Title 3. Alcoholic Beverages § 3-13-11. Civil actions

(a) If a supplier or wholesaler who is a party to an agreement pursuant to § 3-13-5(6) fails to comply with this chapter or otherwise engages in conduct prohibited under this chapter, the affected party may maintain a civil action in the superior court in the county in which the wholesaler's principal place of business or residence is located.

(b) In any action under this section, the court may grant any equitable relief that the court determines is necessary or appropriate considering the purposes of this chapter, to remedy the effects of any failure to comply with this chapter or the effect of conduct prohibited under this chapter.

(c) The prevailing party in any action under this section is entitled to actual damages as defined in § 3-13-7, plus interest and costs.

(d) To the extent the parties by agreement specify that disputes arising out of the supplier-wholesaler relationship shall be resolved by arbitration, that procedure shall be the exclusive remedy and may be compelled by either party upon proper application under the law of this state. An affected party may maintain a civil action in the superior court to enforce the provisions of § 3-13-7(c), notwithstanding any pending arbitration proceedings.