AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

HB 8010 amends Rhode Island General Law § 3-7-19 to modify restrictions on retail liquor licenses near schools and places of worship. It expands existing exemptions by granting specific cities (Providence, Newport) and towns (Warren, Bristol) authority to approve Class B licenses in designated areas, even if near schools or churches. The bill does not directly affect the South Kingstown property mentioned in the abstract; instead, it updates general licensing rules for license applicants in defined zones across multiple municipalities. Key provisions allow local license boards to grant exceptions for locations within specific mapped boundaries in Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol. This change primarily impacts businesses seeking new retail liquor licenses in those designated areas.