Providence Council Releases Report on Nightclub Safety
Thursday, December 06, 2012
A Providence City Council committee has issued a new report on nightclub safety which makes recommendations to ensure a safe and responsible Providence nightlife.
The committee began reviewing nightclub licensing and safety after the Council passed a resolution in April calling for an inquiry. The resolution, sponsored by Majority Leader Seth Yurdin, came in the wake of a violent incident at former Downtown nightclub, Level II.
The purpose of the review, outlined in the resolution, was to “examine and make recommendations regarding the policies and procedures relating to nightclub and other licenses.” The committee held five public meetings from May through June, and gathered feedback from key stakeholders: representatives from the Board of Licenses, the Police Chief, the Public Safety Commissioner, the City Solicitor, civic and neighborhood groups, and nightclub owners.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTYurdin, who is chairman of the Committee on Ordinances, said that the over-arching goal of the inquiry, reflected in the report, was to “identify tools to maintain and expand a dynamic and robust nightlife in Providence, and to ensure the safe enjoyment of the city’s nighttime arts, entertainment, and cultural events.”
The report summarizes the testimony from committee meetings, as well as ongoing discussions with organizations representing Downtown such as the Providence Foundation, the Downtown Improvement District and the Jewelry District Association. Recommendations include steps to improve safety, nightclub operations, and licensing policies and procedures.
Frank LaTorre, Director of Public Space for the Downtown Improvement District; Arthur Salisbury, President of the Jewelry District Association; Anthony Santurri, co-owner of The Colosseum; and Peter McClure, resident of the Jewelry District each made statements to the committee in support of the report and the Council’s efforts to support a vibrant nightlife while ensuring public safety.
Yurdin said that a legislative package of ordinances and resolutions to implement the recommendations will be introduced in early 2013.
