AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

SB 2630 repeals a law that prohibited new retail liquor licenses within 200 feet of schools or religious institutions, and within 500 feet of schools in East Providence for certain license types. This repeal removes a distance restriction, allowing new liquor stores to open closer to schools and churches without needing to avoid these proximity requirements. The bill directly affects new license applications for retail liquor stores (Class B, C, N, and I) by eliminating the need for licensing authorities to consider distance to schools or places of worship. Existing licenses and transfers of licenses that predate the location of schools or churches remain unaffected by this repeal.