R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-12-18: Negative allegations — Lawful sale as defense.

Negative allegations need not be made in or proved at the trial of any complaint under this title. Evidence of the sale or keeping for sale of any beverage is evidence that the sale or keeping for sale is unlawful, but the respondent in any complaint under this title may show any license or authority to sell or any other fact that renders a sale or keeping for sale lawful by way of defense.