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Rhode IslandS32032026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES .

Sponsored By: Stefano V. Famiglietti (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Older Class B/C licenses protected

Any Class B or Class C license issued before January 1, 1978 is exempt from the distance and objection rules. For transfers, if the licensed location existed before the nearby school or place of worship, distance cannot be used to block the transfer. This preserves long‑standing businesses and their licenses.

Distance limits on alcohol retail licenses

The law limits where retail alcohol licenses can be issued. If the owner of most land within 200 feet files an objection, no license is issued. For Class B, C, N, and I licenses, the building cannot be within 200 feet of a school or place of worship. In East Providence, Class A licenses are blocked within 500 feet of a school or place of worship. The law also defines which nonpublic K–12 schools count as “private schools” for these distance checks.

Cities can approve location exceptions

Local licensing boards named in the law can grant case‑by‑case exceptions to the distance rules for listed addresses and parcels. In Newport, an existing Class B holder can apply for a sidewalk cafe at a place of worship. In Cranston, a transferee must follow the May 13, 2003 MOU and be current on all local and state taxes. In Smithfield, the exemption only covers renewals for Plat 45, Lot 042 from licenses in place on December 31, 2011. In North Providence, the board can allow a Class BV license at 1706 Mineral Spring Avenue (Plat 19, Lot 326).

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Stefano V. Famiglietti

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Thomas J. Paolino

    Republican • Senate

  • David P. Tikoian

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote • 6/3/2026

ALCOHOLIC -- RETAIL LICENSES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 63 • 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 079

    6/11/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/3/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/3/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/03/2026)

    5/29/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    5/26/2026

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

    5/22/2026

  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)

    4/16/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage

    4/15/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/15/2026)

    4/10/2026

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

    4/3/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3203 - As Introduced

    4/3/2026

    HTMLPDF

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