§ 3-7-16. Class J convention hall license. (a) A retailer's Class J license authorizes the holder of the license to keep for sale and to sell beverages at retail in the place described in the license and to deliver the beverages for consumption on the premises where sold at the times when conventions as defined in subsection (b) may be held on those premises. The licensed premises may be open for business on convention days between the hours of eleven o'clock (11:00) a.m. and one o'clock (1:00) a.m. The licensed premises may contain a bar. No Class J license shall be issued or held unless the licensee has adequate facilities to accommodate five hundred (500) or more persons, at tables, at one time. Part of the licensed premises may be set apart as a kitchen and food may be served if the licensee is the holder of a victualing license from the town or city in which the licensed premises are situated. The Class J license authorizes entertainment only in conformity with ordinances of the city or town where the facility is located on the licensed premises. Class J licenses shall only be issued by the local licensing authority. The annual fee for a Class J license is the same as a Class B license in that city or town and is payable to the town or city where the licensed premises are located.

(b) The word "convention" is defined to include conventions, banquets, political rallies, trade shows, exhibitions, charity balls and other similar gatherings in conformity with ordinances of the city or town where the facility is located, which are held primarily for persons over eighteen (18) years of age.

(c) A Class F and F1 liquor license may be issued on a Class J premises, notwithstanding the provisions of § 3-5-9.

History of Section. (G.L., ch. 163, § 3; P.L. 1940, ch. 814, § 2; P.L. 1976, ch. 241, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 23, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 39, § 1.)