The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws, which pertains to the issuance of retail licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages. 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 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 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 proximity restrictions after application.

The bill also details exemptions for retailer Class B licenses and other classes in various cities and towns across Rhode Island, including Providence, Middletown, East Greenwich, and others. It specifies the exact locations where exemptions from the proximity restrictions can be granted, with the local authorities having the power to exempt proposed retailers after application. The bill includes a deletion of a specific range of addresses and an insertion of the "Downtown Overlay District," expanding the area for potential exemptions in Woonsocket. It also broadens the types of licenses that can be considered for exemption by changing the language from "class BV and class BM license" to "license of any class." The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, allowing for the establishment of retail alcohol outlets in specified locations despite their proximity to schools or places of worship.

Statutes affected:
8254: 3-7-19