Underage Persons in Nightclubs (H 7404, H 7601)

For the second year in a row, there’s a focus on whether to allow 18-20 year olds into nightclubs. These young adults, but adults nonetheless, are currently able to patronize alcohol-serving establishments, in part because the state’s public accommodations law generally prohibits age discrimination against anyone 18 or older. The ACLU has argued that nightclubs that provide live entertainment, dancing and similar activities should not be allowed to discriminate against young adults, and that the clubs have other  measures at their disposal to try to prevent illegal drinking. However, given recent stories of violence at a few downtown Providence establishments, the General Assembly is facing significant pressure from the city to pass a measure aimed at these young people.