The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws in Chapter 3-7 entitled "Retail Licenses," introducing new provisions regarding the issuance of alcoholic beverage retail licenses in relation to their proximity to schools, churches, and objections from adjoining property owners. 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 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 predating nearby schools or places of worship. Additionally, it allows for exemptions in certain cities and towns, such as Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol, where local boards may grant licenses in designated areas despite the proximity restrictions.

The bill further details the authority granted to local boards and town councils in various municipalities to exempt proposed retailer Class B and other specified licenses from the proximity restrictions to places of public worship and other criteria. It lists specific tax assessor plats and lots within cities like Newport, Providence, Cranston, and others, where exemptions can be granted. The bill includes provisions for the transfer of licenses and compliance with certain restrictions in Cranston, and it specifies exact locations in multiple cities and towns where exemptions can be applied, such as certain addresses in Providence and East Greenwich. The bill proposes an insertion into the current law to allow the town of Bristol to exempt a retailer at 499 Hope Street from the 200-foot proximity restriction to schools or places of worship, and it states that the bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1018: 3-7-19