Rhode Island Supreme Court Voids Special Liquor License Exemption, Impacting Providence Restaurant and Future Legislative Practices
The Rhode Island Supreme Court recently struck down a state law that granted a special exemption for Estiatorio Fili, a Greek restaurant in Providence, to obtain a liquor license. This ruling jeopardizes the restaurant's ability to serve alcohol, with owner George Potsidis planning to adapt his menu for a potential indefinite dry period starting in September. The 2023 law, passed by the General Assembly, allowed the Providence Board of Licenses to bypass a state regulation that restricts liquor licenses when a majority of neighboring property owners object. The court found that the General Assembly's action, which specifically targeted the restaurant's address, violated the Home Rule Amendment of the Rhode Island Constitution. This amendment dictates that laws affecting municipal 'property, affairs, and government' must either apply statewide or be approved by local voters. The court determined that the exemption did neither, raising questions about the validity of similar exemptions previously granted by ...