The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws, which pertains to the issuance of various retail licenses for the sale of beverages. It specifies that Retailers’ Class B, C, N, and I licenses, as well as licenses under § 3-7-16.8, cannot be issued within 200 feet of any building if the majority landowner objects, or within 200 feet of any school or place of worship, with an exception for the city of East Providence where Class A licenses cannot be issued within 500 feet of such institutions. The bill clarifies the definition of "private school" and provides exemptions for licenses issued before 1978 or for establishments that predate nearby schools or places of worship. Additionally, it allows for exemptions in certain areas of Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol, where the board of licenses may grant licenses despite proximity restrictions after an application process. The bill includes insertions of new provisions and definitions but does not indicate any deletions from the current law.

Furthermore, the bill grants authority to local boards and town councils in various cities and towns, including Newport, Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Little Compton, Bristol, Smithfield, Tiverton, North Providence, Central Falls, and Portsmouth, to exempt proposed retailer Class B licenses from proximity restrictions to places of worship. It specifies the tax assessor plats and lots where exemptions can be granted, allowing for targeted licensing exemptions within these municipalities. The bill also includes provisions for the transfer of Class B licenses in Cranston, with requirements for transferees to comply with certain restrictions and tax payment certifications. The legal language includes insertions for new exemptions but no deletions.

Statutes affected:
669: 3-7-19