Bill targets underage drinking at clubs

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A group of Rhode Island lawmakers has introduced a bill that would ban people who are under 21 from entering nightclubs that serve alcohol.

Bill co-sponsor Representative Joy Hearn says the proposal is aimed at curbing nightclub violence.

"When you have underage people in an environment where alcohol is being served, it becomes a breeding ground for trouble," Rep. Hearn said in a news release.

"It doesn’t matter that clubs aren’t allowed to serve 18-year-olds. Underage patrons can more easily find ways to get alcoholic drinks from friends who are of age and it’s dangerous.”

Representative Scott Slater of Providence is also co-sponsoring the bill.  He says the new law would help make the City of Providence a safer place.

“Underage drinking may not directly cause the violence happening in our city nightclubs, but it can definitely be linked to it," Rep. Slater said in the news release.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.