R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-50-7

Every person, firm, or corporation who coerces a retail dealer to participate in any promotion or advertising scheme or plan of the type set forth in § 11-50-1 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Coercion includes, but is not limited to, circumstances in which a course of business conduct extending over a period of one year or longer between a supplier and a dealer is materially changed for no legitimate business reason, coincident with a failure or refusal of the dealer to participate in an above-mentioned promotion or advertising scheme or plan.