Rhode Island General Laws Title 3. Alcoholic Beverages § 3-8-5.1. Compliance check

(a) As used in this section the term “compliance check” means the sending of a minor into a retail outlet to see if that minor could purchase alcohol. As used in this section the term “purchase survey” refers to compliance checks that are a part of a statewide survey.

(b) Underage individuals acting as agents for the state or municipal police department may purchase, with impunity from prosecution, alcohol for the purposes of law enforcement, provided that the underage individuals are supervised by an adult law enforcement official. Any individual participating in an unannounced compliance check and/or purchase survey must state his/her accurate age if asked by the employee of the licensed establishment being checked.

(c) If the compliance check is a part of a general enforcement operation and results in the sale of alcohol to the minor, the manager of the retail outlet shall be notified within 48 hours of the violation. If the compliance check is a part of a purchase survey and results in the sale of alcohol to the minor, the manager of the retail outlet shall be notified of the violation upon completion of the purchase survey in that community.