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Commission recommends raising limousine capacity to 15; discusses alcohol rules under state law
Summary
The New Shoreham commission voted to recommend increasing licensed limousine capacity from 12 to 15 (to be forwarded to the town council for ordinance change) and discussed legal limits and operator responsibilities for alcohol in limousines under Rhode Island law.
The New Shoreham Commission for Motor Vehicles for Hire voted to recommend that the town council increase the maximum passenger capacity for licensed limousines from 12 to 15 and discussed whether and how alcohol consumption should be regulated in limousines.
A commission member moved to increase limousine capacity from 12 to 15; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners clarified that the change is a recommendation that must go to the town council and requires an ordinance amendment before it becomes effective.
Commissioners then reviewed written guidance provided by the town lawyer on alcohol in limousines. The attorney's response, read aloud to the commission, stated that state law allows alcohol consumption in limousines provided the occupants are over 21 and that limousine operators should not provide the alcohol. As the attorney's summary was read, a member paraphrased: "State law allows alcohol in limousines but the operators cannot provide the alcohol." The commission discussed practical controls operators could adopt, such as requiring a signed affidavit from the customer accepting responsibility, checking IDs, and posting a notice in the vehicle that passengers must be 21 to possess alcoholic beverages.
Several operators and commissioners expressed concern about enforcement and public visibility if passengers exit the vehicle with open containers. One operator said she would plan to require a signed affidavit and to card passengers when feasible.
Commissioners noted that even if state law permits alcohol in limousines, the town cannot supersede state law but can adopt complementary local rules where permitted. No changes to local rules were adopted at the meeting; the capacity recommendation will be forwarded to the town council for the ordinance-change process and staff will continue to consult with the town attorney about implementation details such as required forms and whether the commission should require ID checks or signed affidavits as part of a local licensing condition.
