Providence, R.I., 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 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.