The bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws in Chapter 3-7, which governs "Retail Licenses," to introduce specific exemptions regarding the issuance of Retailers’ Class B, C, N, and I licenses in relation to their proximity to schools and places of worship. 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 any public, private, or parochial school or place 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 municipalities, 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. It outlines specific tax assessor plats and lots where these exemptions may apply, allowing for greater flexibility in the issuance of licenses. Notably, the bill includes a specific insertion that allows the North Providence board of licenses to exempt a proposed retailer Class B license for a location at 1441 Mineral Spring Avenue, Plat 23A, Lot 117. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate the issuance of liquor licenses while balancing the concerns of local property owners and community establishments.

Statutes affected:
6231: 3-7-19