This bill amends Section 3-7-19 of the General Laws to specify that certain retail licenses cannot be issued for the sale of beverages within 200 feet of any school or place of worship, with the restriction extended to 500 feet in the city of East Providence. The bill also defines "private school" as any nonpublic institution of elementary or secondary education accredited or recognized by the department of elementary and secondary education or the school committee of the city or town having jurisdiction over private schools. The bill provides exemptions to the restrictions for certain license holders whose licenses were issued prior to January 1, 1978, and for the transfer of licenses where the establishment predates the location of the school or place of worship. The bill also grants the board of licenses of the city of Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol the authority to exempt proposed retailer licenses from the restrictions within specified areas in their respective cities or towns.

This bill allows certain boards of licenses in various cities and towns in Rhode Island to exempt proposed retailer Class B licenses from certain provisions. The exemptions apply to specific locations and are subject to application and approval by the respective boards of licenses. The bill also specifies that the exemptions will only be effective if the proposed license holder and property owner are current in the payment of local and state taxes.

Statutes affected:
6492: 3-7-19