Rhode Island City Council Moves to Address Nightclub Safety

Members of the Providence City Council have introduced legislation they say is designed to improve safety in and around the R.I., nightclubs after a string of violent incidents.

Majority Leader Seth Yurdin, who sponsored the legislation, says the city has had too many safety incidents at clubs. There was a fatal shooting in the parking lot of one establishment and six people were stabbed at another last year.

Yurdin’s office says one of the ordinances closes a loophole in the license application process and strengthens training requirements for those who work as floor hosts at establishments that serve alcohol. Another adds a requirement that licensees have a security plan and creates safety measures for their parking facilities.

A third requires that individuals paid to promote entertainment and shows obtain an annual license.