R.I. officials wary bars will become pandemic hot spots

Nancy Lavin

July 10, 2020 2:32 am

WITH 37 PERCENT of its residents between the ages of 18 and 34, and one nightlife venue per 523 people, Providence ranks No. 1 on Movoto Real Estate's list of the 10 most exciting mid-sized cities in the United States. / PBN FILE PHOTO — SPACED OUT? State officials worry bars and nightclubs in the capital city and the rest of the state could create a pandemic hotspot, as they have in other states. A late June compliance check found nearly 1 in 5 such establishments were allowing too many customers to congregate. Owners are hopeful those violating restrictions will be penalized to help avoid a shutdown of the industry. / PBN FILE PHOTO

State officials are keeping a close eye on Rhode Island bars to ensure they’re complying with public health measures as crowded bars across the country have been identified as the latest hazards in the COVID-19 pandemic. In some states where cases have spiked, bars and nightclubs have been shuttered. And officials in Massachusetts and Connecticut…