Requires that applicants for a retail liquor license in the town of Westerly acquire commercial, general-liability, liquor liability and property damage insurance coverage.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require anyone applying for a retail liquor license in the town of Westerly, Rhode Island to carry several types of insurance before they can receive their license. Specifically, applicants would need to obtain commercial insurance, general liability insurance, liquor liability insurance, and property damage insurance. This is a local measure that applies only to Westerly and does not affect liquor licensing rules in other Rhode Island towns or cities.

The bill primarily affects business owners — such as bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other retailers — who want to sell alcohol in Westerly. These businesses would need to secure the required insurance coverage as part of the licensing process. Liquor liability insurance, in particular, is designed to protect against claims related to alcohol-related incidents, such as if a customer causes harm after being served alcohol at the establishment.

For the general public, the intent of the bill is to ensure that licensed alcohol retailers in Westerly have financial protections in place in case of accidents, injuries, or property damage connected to their operations. This could provide greater protection for customers, neighbors, and the broader community. The bill has passed the Senate and has been recommended for passage by a House committee, meaning it is still working its way through the legislative process before it could become law.