PROVIDENCE – A bill that would bar people under the age of 21 from entering nightclubs where alcohol is being served was scheduled for a hearing last week before the House Judiciary Committee.

The introduction of the bill follows recent melees at clubs Level II and Monet. Sponsor Rep. Joy Hearn, D-Barrington, said in a statement that the issue of nightclub violence “never has … been a more critical problem than it is today.”

“It’s a multipronged issue,” she said. “Individuals under the legal drinking age have easier access to alcohol. There are more and more fights breaking out at these clubs at closing time. Meanwhile, we’re trying to focus on building and expanding our [Knowledge District], but we’re getting distracted by these setbacks. This bill can also be seen as a plus for nightclub owners who are trying to put a stop to recurring violence in their establishments.” •