The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws, which pertains to the issuance of various Retailers’ Class licenses for the sale of beverages. It specifies that these licenses (Class B, C, N, I, and those in § 3-7-16.8) cannot be granted within 200 feet of any building if the majority landowner objects, or within 200 feet of schools or places of worship, with an exception for the city of East Providence where the distance is 500 feet for Class A licenses. 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, the bill allows for exemptions in certain cities and towns, where local boards may grant licenses despite proximity restrictions in designated areas.

The bill also details specific exemptions for retailer Class B licenses and other classes in various municipalities, including Providence, Middletown, East Greenwich, and others. It authorizes local governing bodies to exempt certain proposed retail establishments from the proximity restrictions after an application process. The bill lists exact locations where exemptions can be applied, with no deletions from current law but insertions for new exemptions. One such insertion (section 67) allows the board of licenses of the city of Providence to exempt a proposed retailer with a Class BV license at 94 Carpenter Street from the proximity restrictions. The act is effective immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2735: 3-7-19