The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws, which pertains to the issuance of retail licenses for the sale of beverages. It introduces new provisions that allow for objections by adjoining property owners and set distance restrictions from schools and places of worship when issuing certain retail licenses. Specifically, it prohibits the issuance of licenses for buildings within 200 feet of any point of the building where the majority landowner objects, or within 200 feet of any school or place of worship. In East Providence, this distance is extended to 500 feet for retailer's Class A licenses. The bill also includes exemptions for existing license holders and allows for further exemptions by the board of licenses in certain cities and towns.

Additionally, the bill details specific areas within the cities of Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol where the board of licenses can exempt retailer Class B, C, or I licenses from the proximity restrictions. These areas are described by streets and boundaries. The bill grants authority to various boards of licenses and town councils to exempt proposed retailer Class B licenses from certain provisions of the law, allowing for the establishment of businesses like sidewalk cafes and restaurants that sell alcohol in specified areas. The exemptions are detailed for specific tax assessor plats and lots, with conditions such as tax payments and adherence to agreements. The bill includes a new insertion granting an exemption for a proposed retailer Class BV license at 94 Carpenter Street in Providence, and it will take effect immediately upon passage. There are no deletions indicated in the bill's text.

Statutes affected:
2735: 3-7-19