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 no Retailers’ Class B, C, N, and I licenses, as well as licenses under § 3-7-16.8, shall be granted 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 January 1, 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 the proximity restrictions after an application process. The bill includes insertions of new provisions and definitions but does not indicate any deletions from current law.

Furthermore, the bill grants authority to local boards and councils in various cities and towns to exempt proposed retailer Class B and other specified licenses from location restrictions related to proximity to places of worship. It details the specific tax assessor plats and lots where these exemptions can be applied, such as certain addresses in Providence, East Greenwich, Middletown, Lincoln, Cumberland, Central Falls, Woonsocket, Westerly, and East Providence. The bill also includes provisions for the transfer of Class B licenses in Cranston with certain restrictions. The legal language includes insertions for new exemptions but does not mention any deletions from the existing law. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1019: 3-7-19