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Rhode IslandS27552026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES .

Sponsored By: Samuel D. Zurier (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Distance limits and grandfathering for liquor licenses

The law sets distance limits for new retail liquor licenses. Class B, C, N, and I licenses, and any license under § 3-7-16.8, cannot be issued when the owner of most land within 200 feet files an objection. Those licenses also cannot be issued within 200 feet of a public, private, or parochial K–12 school or a place of worship. In East Providence, Class A licenses are not allowed within 500 feet of a school or place of worship. A “private school” means a nonpublic K–12 school recognized by the state education department or the local school committee. Class B or C licenses issued before January 1, 1978, are exempt from these distance rules. These rules also cannot block a transfer if the licensed location existed before the nearby school or place of worship. The law takes effect upon passage.

Local boards can waive distance rules

Local boards and councils named in the law can grant site‑specific exemptions from the 200‑foot or 500‑foot limits, after application. Exemptions only apply to the parcels, lots, or zones listed in the statute. Some places add conditions. In Cranston, any buyer of a Class B license issued under this exemption must follow the city’s May 13, 2003 Memorandum of Understanding and other state transfer rules. The license and the property owner must be certified current on all local and state taxes before the exemption takes effect. Example: Providence may allow a Class B or BV license at 186 Wayland Avenue (Plat 014, Lot 446).

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Samuel D. Zurier

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 104 • No: 0

House vote • 5/14/2026

ALCOHOLIC - RETAIL LICENSES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 70 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/28/2026

RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES Passage

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 031

    5/22/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    5/14/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    5/14/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (05/14/2026)

    5/12/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    5/7/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (05/07/2026)

    5/1/2026

  7. Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    4/29/2026House

  8. Senate read and passed

    4/28/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (04/28/2026)

    4/15/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage

    4/8/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/08/2026)

    4/3/2026

  12. Meeting postponed (04/01/2026)

    3/27/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

    3/27/2026

  14. Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

    2/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2755 - As Introduced

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

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