On and after June 1, 1947, no license shall be issued by the lottery commission under the provisions hereof for holding a race meet in any town unless and until the town at an annual or special meeting called for the purpose has by majority vote approved of the issuance of said license in said town. Provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed or apply to the issuances of licenses by the lottery commission in towns where licensed race meets have heretofore been held under the provisions of this chapter.