Restaurant gift certificates are a lovely thing to give or receive. But what happens when a restaurant goes out of business and you have a piece of paper worth nothing?

It happens and really what can you do?

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA), a group that includes local restaurants and hotels, will aunch the RI Dine program to protect against that kind of loss. The group will sell gift cards that purchasers can use at any participating restaurant. It begins with 31 restaurants already signed on. They'll be available at the end of the month.

The card is flexible allowing consumers to purchase any denomination they choose and it is rechargeable. Cards can soon be purchased on the RI Dine Web site or by calling RIHA at 401-223-1120.

There is no extra charge for card purchasers. Restaurants will pay a small set up fee and then a small percentage of gift card sales go back to fund the program. In all, the cost to the participating restaurants is nominal, according to RIHA.

Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO of RIHA said "This program is not only important to our industry, but by participating, consumers continue to spend their money locally, which is very important to the State's economy as a whole."

The restaurants that have signed on so far:
Chelo's Restaurants (all locations)
Chianti's Italian Cuisine (East Greenwich)
Pinelli's Cucina (North Smithfield)
Pinelli's Cucina Twist (South Kingstown)
DeWolf Tavern (Bristol)
Gregg's Restaurants (4 Locations)
Grille on Main (East Greenwich)
Kabob & Curry (Providence)
Kay's Restaurant (Woonsocket))
One Bellevue (Newport)
Pier 49 Seafood & Spirits (Newport)
Post Office Café (East Greenwich)
Rasoi (Pawtucket)
Taste of India (Providence)
The Grille on Main (East Greenwich)
The Lodge Pub and Eatery (Lincoln)
Twist Restaurant (Warwick)
Twist on Angell (Providence)
Waterplace Restaurant (Providence)