NIGHTLIFE
A more measured approach to addressing concerns
BY IAN DONNIS
Supporters of Providence's live music scene have succeeded in
getting their message out. After an attempt last year to ban those under 21
from nightclubs -- a move that could have seriously hurt the scene by
significantly reducing attendance at concerts -- a new bill at the State House
seeks more modest changes to reduce some of the concerns associated with
nightlife in the capital city.
The bill would require those under 21 to possess two forms of valid
identification, including a photo ID, and wear a bracelet and a hand-stamp, to
gain admission to clubs. Club owners would be required to stop admissions at 1
a.m. and not to serve alcohol within 30 minutes of closing. The legislation,
which would create a separate licensing category for clubs with a capacity for
between 200 and 10,000 people, is being sponsored by state Representative Paul
Moura (D-Providence), and Senator John M. Roney (D-Providence).
The measure -- which, as enabling legislation, could be enacted by individual
cities and towns -- would bar re-admittance after leaving a club, and make
possession of a false ID punishable by a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of
not more than 30 days, or both.
Moura says he was convinced by arguments about the value of those under 21
being able to see concerts at venues, like Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, which
attract a large share of their business from that age group. "We felt that by
totally eliminating these kinds of nights it would have a negative impact,"
Moura says. "It could hurt Lupo's business."
Critics in recent years have targeted the admission of those under 21 to clubs
that serve alcohol, contending that the practice contributes to rowdyism,
fighting, and other problems in the neighborhoods near Providence's most
popular nightclubs. Others have argued that vibrant nightlife befits a city
like Providence and that an entire age group shouldn't be punished for the
misbehavior of a relatively small group of people.
Rich Lupo, whose club has been a downtown mainstay in two incarnations since
1975, expressed satisfaction with the compromise measure, saying, "I'm just
happy that we'll all be able to stay in business." Moura's bill grew out of
several meetings between representatives of local universities, downtown
groups, and club owners, and in the end, Moura says, each of the parties
expressed support, except for a representative of Michael Kent, who owns the
Complex and a number of other Providence nightspots.
Moura expects the House and Senate bills to come to the floor of the
respective chambers in the next two weeks.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis[a]phx.com.
Issue Date: April 25 - May 2, 2002
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