R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-14-2: Purposes.

(a) Primary legislative purpose. The primary legislative purpose of this chapter is to prevent intoxication-related injuries, deaths and other damages among Rhode Island’s population.

(b) Secondary purposes. The secondary legislative purposes are:

(1) To establish a legal basis for obtaining compensation for those suffering damages as a result of intoxication related incidents in accordance with this chapter;

(2) To allocate the liability for payment of damages fairly among those responsible for the damages, which will encourage liquor liability insurance availability; and

(3) To encourage all servers of alcohol to exercise responsible serving practices.