Underage People in Nightclubs (H 5291)

The General Assembly is again considering perennial legislation barring adults under the age of 21 from entering nightclubs where alcohol is served.  In March, the ACLU of RI testified before the House Corporations committee that existing anti-discrimination laws already protect these adults, and that barring them from live music and other venues solely because of the presence of alcohol was an inappropriate infringement on these laws.  Just two years ago, the General Assembly passed legislation expanding the ability of licensing boards to penalize nightclubs that serve drinks to underage adults.