The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws in Chapter 3-7, which governs "Retail Licenses," to establish specific proximity restrictions for the issuance of Retailers’ Class B, C, N, and I licenses, as well as any license provided for in § 3-7-16.8. It stipulates that these licenses cannot be issued within 200 feet of any building if the majority landowner within that radius objects, nor within 200 feet of public, private, or parochial schools or places of worship. An exception is made for East Providence, where Class A licenses cannot be issued within 500 feet of such establishments. The bill also clarifies the definition of "private school" and provides exemptions for licenses issued before January 1, 1978, or for transfers where the establishment predates the nearby school or place of worship.

Additionally, the bill empowers local licensing boards in various cities and towns, including Providence, Newport, and others, to grant exemptions from these proximity restrictions for proposed retailer Class B, C, or I licenses in designated business districts or specific locations. The new legal language inserted into the current law outlines the authority of local boards to exempt licenses based on specific tax assessor plats and lots, facilitating the issuance of licenses in areas that may otherwise be restricted. The bill does not include any deletions from current law, focusing solely on the introduction of these new provisions to enhance local governance over retail licensing.

Statutes affected:
5031: 3-7-19