The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws, which pertains to the issuance of various Retailers’ Class B, C, N, and I licenses, as well as licenses under § 3-7-16.8, in relation to their proximity to schools, churches, and objections from adjoining property owners. It specifies that these licenses 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 predating 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 the current law.

Furthermore, the bill grants authority to local boards and town councils in various cities and towns, including Newport, Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, and others, to exempt proposed retailer Class B licenses from proximity restrictions to places of worship. Each clause in the bill specifies the tax assessor plats and lots where the exemptions apply, allowing for a targeted approach to licensing exemptions within these municipalities. The bill also includes provisions for the transfer of Class B licenses in certain areas, with requirements for transferees to comply with specific restrictions. The bill does not indicate deletions but includes insertions for new exemptions at specified locations. Additionally, the bill allows the board of licenses of the city of Providence to exempt and grant a liquor license for a proposed retailer at 79 Ives Street, with the act taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3069: 3-7-19