2002 Veto
2002 No Action
2001 Veto
2001 No Action
2000 Signature
2000 Veto
2000 No Action
1999 Signature
1999 Veto
1998 Signature
1998 Veto
1998 No Action
1997 Signature
1997 Veto
1996 Signature
1996 Veto
1995 Signature
1995 Veto
1995 No Action
July 6, 1999,
TO THE HONORABLE, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
In accordance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 43-1-4, I am transmitting herewith, with my disapproval, 99-H-6274, "An Act Relating to Alcoholic BeveragesÑ Retail Licenses."
This bill would eliminate the requirement that non-members of a club which holds a class "D" license sign a log if they consume alcoholic beverages on the club's premises.
The Director of the Department of Business Regulation, who is responsible for control of alcoholic beverages, has requested that I veto this bill in its present form. Class D licenses are given to non-profit corporations only. There must be officers of the corporation and the corporation must keep a register of members who are entitled to participate in the corporation's activities, such as eating or drinking in the club. A member of the corporation may bring a guest to the club. However, no member of the general public may enter the club without sponsorship. As a part of the club's non-profit status, a member must sign in his or her guest.
There are certain advantages to this non-profit status. The General Assembly has long decided that such licenses should be limited to private clubs with guest lists. The major abuse associated with Class D licenses is taking advantage of the non-profit status while opening the club to the general public as a Class B licensee is allowed to do. This bill, if enacted, would eliminate the ability of law enforcement and regulatory officials to ensure that only club members and their guests are frequenting the Class D establishment. I believe that the current operational restriction associated with Class D licenses is good public policy and should not be removed.
For the foregoing reasons, I disapprove of this legislation and respectfully urge your support of this veto.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Almond
Governor