R.I. Gen. Laws § 3-5-15

The right, power, and jurisdiction to issue all other licenses authorized by this title within the maximum number to be fixed as provided in § 3-5-16 are in the town councils or license boards of the several towns, and in the mayors and city councils in the several cities. However, where a police commission exists in a town or in a city that police commission has the right, power, and jurisdiction to issue those other licenses. If there is neither a city council nor a police commission in a city, the right, power, and jurisdiction shall be in the mayor and council. In the city of Providence the right, power, and jurisdiction are in the bureau of licenses. In the several cases where the town councils or license boards of the several towns, the mayors and city councils of the several cities, or the mayor and council of a city are authorized to issue licenses, they are for that purpose constituted license commissioners, and in those cases the town or city clerk is the clerk of those commissioners.