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SB 3288

AN ACT RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- RETAIL LICENSES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lammis Vargas

The bill broadens licensing exemptions from proximity rules, allowing many municipalities to grant licenses despite distance limits and authorizes a Class BV license at 1814 Broad

06/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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Bill Summary · SB 3288

Overview

  • Bill: SB 3288
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Session: 2026
  • Introduced by: Senator Lammis J. Vargas
  • Committee: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs
  • Purpose: To modify proximity-based restrictions on Retail Licenses and to create an explicit authorization for a specific Class BV license at a Cranston location.

Main purpose and intent

  • The act revises the proximity rules governing the issuance of Retailers' licenses (Class B, C, N, I) and certain other licenses.
  • It introduces targeted exemptions allowing additional licensing flexibility in specified areas and under particular circumstances.
  • A specific new authorization is added for a Class BV license at 1814 Broad Street in Cranston, subject to compliance and as an explanatory note.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 3-7-19 (Objections by adjoining property owners — Proximity to schools and churches) is amended to:

    • Maintain existing general restrictions: Retailers' Class B, C, N, and I licenses cannot be issued if the building is within 200 feet of:
    • The property owner’s land (where the owner files an objection)
    • The premises of any public, private, or parochial school
    • A place of public worship
    • In East Providence, Class A licenses are restricted within 500 feet of a school or place of worship.
    • Private schools are defined to be K-12 institutions accredited or recognized by relevant authorities.
    • The section lists numerous exemptions (and prospective exemptions) for many municipalities to allow boards of licenses to exempt certain proposed licenses from the proximity restrictions. These exemptions cover a broad array of towns and cities and specify numerous physical parcels, streets, and map/lot references where exemptions may be granted after application.
    • Each enumerated exemption describes a specific geographic area or parcel where the licensing board can approve a license despite proximity constraints, subject to local and state tax clearances and, in some cases, other conditions (e.g., compliance with a Memorandum of Understanding or transferee restrictions for certain Cranston locations).
    • Examples of jurisdictions and types of exemptions include Providence, Cranston, Newport, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Barrington, East Providence, Westerly, Jamestown, North Providence, Central Falls, Warren, Smithfield, Tiverton, Middletown, Barrington, and others, with numerous parcel-specific exemptions.

  • Section 2: The act takes effect upon passage.

  • EXPLANATION (provided in the bill):

    • The act would allow for the issuance of a Class BV license for the property located at 1814 Broad Street in Cranston.
    • The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Who or what would be affected

  • Retailers' licenses within Rhode Island, particularly:
    • The ability of licensing authorities to exempt certain locations from standard proximity-based objections to the issuance of Class B, C, N, I licenses (and related licenses under § 3-7-16.8).
    • Several municipalities would gain flexibility to grant licenses in areas that might otherwise be restricted by proximity to schools, churches, or other sensitive uses.
  • Cranston property at 1814 Broad Street would gain the specific authorization to hold a Class BV license, subject to the act’s provisions and any subsequent regulatory requirements.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage.
  • Process implications:
    • Local boards of licenses would review and, upon application, may grant exemptions from proximity restrictions in many defined areas.
    • Several exemptions reference compliance conditions (e.g., tax payments or adherence to existing agreements) before exemptions take effect for transfers or renewals.
    • The bill does not alter the underlying statutory framework for all locations but significantly expands discretionary exemptions at many municipalities.

Notes

  • The text includes extensive, parcel-specific exemption opportunities across numerous Rhode Island municipalities.
  • The act aims to increase licensing flexibility in urban and mixed-use areas by allowing exemptions from standard distance-based objections, while also enabling a specific Cranston license (BV) at 1814 Broad Street.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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