The bill seeks to repeal Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws in Chapter 3-7 entitled "Retail Licenses," which previously set restrictions on the issuance of various retailer liquor licenses (Class B, C, N, and I) near schools and places of worship, with specific distance requirements. It also allowed for exemptions in certain cities and towns, enabling local licensing boards to grant licenses despite these restrictions. The new language inserted into the law is titled "Objection by adjoining property owners — Proximity to schools and churches," but the specific content of the insertions is not provided in the summary.

The proposed legislation would eliminate the current exemptions that allow local licensing boards and town councils in specified cities and towns to issue retailer Class B licenses in areas that would otherwise be restricted due to their proximity to schools and religious institutions. The deletions include exemptions for specific tax assessor's plats and lots within municipalities such as Newport, Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and others. The bill aims to standardize the application of the law across these areas by removing location-specific exemptions. If passed, the act would take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
7536: 3-7-19