Rhode IslandH72272026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES .

Sponsored By: John J. Lombardi (Democratic)

Became Law

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Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Distance limits for new liquor licenses

The law blocks new Retailers’ Class B, C, N, and I licenses for buildings within 200 feet of any public, private, or parochial school or place of worship. It also blocks these licenses when the owner of most land within 200 feet files an objection. In East Providence, Retailers’ Class A licenses are blocked within 500 feet of a school or place of worship. A “private school” counts only if it is a K–12 school accredited or recognized by the state education department or the local school committee.

Local boards can waive distance limits

Local boards and councils named in the law can approve case-by-case exemptions to the distance and objection rules for specific parcels and zones. You must apply to the local board, and they may set conditions like being current on state and local taxes. In Providence, the board can allow a Class B license at 150 Broadway (Plat 25, Lot 143).

Pre-1978 Class B and C licenses protected

Class B or C licenses issued before January 1, 1978 are not subject to these distance and objection rules. The law also bars using these rules to block a license transfer when the licensed site existed before the nearby school or place of worship.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

John J. Lombardi
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Raymond A. Hull
Democratic • House
Enrique Sanchez
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 64 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

ALCOHOLIC -- RETAIL LICENSES PASSAGE