This bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws in Chapter 3-7 entitled "Retail Licenses". The amendment adds new language that allows for objections by adjoining property owners and proximity to schools and churches when issuing certain retail licenses. It specifies that certain licenses cannot be issued for the sale of beverages in buildings within 200 feet of any point of the building where the owner of the greater part of the land files an objection, or within 200 feet of any public, private, or parochial school or place of public worship. In the city of East Providence, retailer's Class A licenses cannot be issued for buildings within 500 feet of any public, private, or parochial school or place of public worship. The amendment also provides exemptions for certain license holders and allows for exemptions by the board of licenses in certain cities and towns.

This bill amends current law to allow certain boards of licenses in various cities and towns in Rhode Island to exempt proposed retailer Class B licenses from certain provisions. The exemptions would apply to specific locations and would require an application to be submitted. The bill also specifies that the exemptions would only be effective if the proposed license and the underlying property owner are current in the payment of local and state taxes.

Statutes affected:
6308: 3-7-19