R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-5-5

After an examination of the application and any further inquiry and investigation that is deemed proper and necessary as to the good character, competency, and integrity of the applicant and the persons named in the application, the local licensing authority shall as soon as practicable issue a license in a form prescribed by it to the applicant or notify the applicant of a denial of the license application. Persons shall file their applications with the local licensing authority where his or her principal place of business is located.