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Rhode IslandH84352026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES .

Sponsored By: Samuel A. Azzinaro (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Local boards can grant exceptions

Local licensing boards can grant exceptions to these distance and objection rules. You must apply to the city or town board named in the law. Exemptions apply only to listed districts, parcels, or addresses, often by plat/lot “as of” dates, and may be limited to certain license classes or renewals. Many towns require proof that all local and state taxes are current, and some require a memorandum of understanding for any future buyer. Examples include mapped areas in Providence and a Class B site at 102 Granite Street in Westerly.

Protection for long-time license holders

Class B or C licenses issued before January 1, 1978 are grandfathered. These distance and objection rules do not apply to them. A transfer also cannot be blocked when the licensed location existed before the nearby school or place of worship.

Tighter location rules for liquor licenses

The law limits where many retail liquor licenses can be issued. No Class B, C, N, or I license is allowed within 200 feet of a school or a place of worship. A license is also denied if the owner of most land within 200 feet files an objection. In East Providence, Class A licenses face a 500-foot limit from schools and places of worship. A “private school” means a nonpublic K–12 school recognized or accredited by the state education department or the local school committee.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Samuel A. Azzinaro

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Brian Patrick Kennedy

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 106 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES In Concurrence

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 6/3/2026

ALCOHOLIC - RETAIL LICENSES PASSAGE

Yes: 68 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 258

    6/26/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/9/2026Senate

  5. House read and passed

    6/3/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/03/2026)

    5/29/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage

    5/26/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (05/26/2026)

    5/22/2026

  9. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/29/2026

  10. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/29/2026)

    4/24/2026

  11. Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    4/10/2026House

Bill Text

  • H8435 - As Introduced

    4/10/2026

    HTMLPDF

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