The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws, which pertains to the issuance of various classes of retail licenses for the sale of beverages. It specifies that no such licenses shall be issued 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 predating nearby schools or places of worship. Additionally, the bill allows for exemptions in certain cities and towns, enabling local boards to issue licenses in designated business districts or specific locations despite the proximity restrictions. The bill includes insertions of new provisions and definitions but does not indicate any deletions from the current law.

The bill also details exemptions for retailer Class B licenses and other specified classes in various municipalities, allowing local boards and councils to grant exemptions from proximity restrictions to places of worship or other criteria. Each clause in the bill grants specific authority to a city or town's licensing board or council to exempt certain proposed licenses, with detailed tax assessor plats and lots where these exemptions apply. The bill includes insertions for new exemptions but does not indicate deletions from the current law. Furthermore, the bill grants the city of Providence's board of licenses the authority to issue a Class BV license for a location at 1230 Elmwood Avenue, with the act taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3070: 3-7-19