Except as provided in this chapter, the licensing authorities may approve or reject any application, and if the licensing authorities shall approve any application, they may issue a license for the playing or holding of professional athletic games in accordance therewith on the first day of the week between the hours of one o'clock (1:00 p.m.) in the afternoon and midnight, subject to regulations as the licensing authorities may prescribe for the preservation of good order and the prevention of disturbances. In the case of every license so issued, the licensing authorities shall charge a license fee not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for every single game or exhibition authorized by the license, and in addition thereto, a reasonable sum as the licensing authorities may deem necessary to reimburse the town or city for police services at any game or exhibition so licensed; provided, however, that any professional athletic game, the proceeds of which are to be devoted chiefly to charitable or religious purposes, may in the discretion of the licensing authorities be exempted from paying any license fee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 41-6-5