Provides that exemptions to the prohibition of liquor licenses within two hundred feet (200') of schools or places of worship do not eliminate neighboring property owners’ remonstrance rights to object to the license.

Plain-English Summary

Under Rhode Island law, businesses are generally not allowed to obtain a liquor license if they are located within 200 feet of a school or place of worship. However, there are exceptions to this rule that can allow a license to be granted even when a business is that close to one of those locations. This bill clarifies that just because a business qualifies for one of those exceptions, that does not mean nearby residents and property owners lose their right to formally object to the license being granted.

Specifically, this bill protects what is called the "remonstrance right" — the legal right of neighboring property owners to appear before local licensing authorities and voice their opposition to a liquor license application. The bill makes clear that these objection rights remain intact even in cases where an exception to the 200-foot distance rule is being applied. In other words, getting an exemption from the distance restriction does not automatically silence the neighbors.

This bill would affect anyone who lives or owns property near a location applying for a liquor license under one of these exemptions, as well as the businesses seeking those licenses and the local boards that oversee alcohol licensing decisions. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee for further review.