Under 21 clubbin
The era of 18-and-older club nights might be coming to an end in Rhode Island — a state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would ban individuals under the age of 21 from attending clubs that serve alcohol. Rep. Joy Hearn, D-Barrington and East Providence, said in a press release she is co-sponsoring the bill because it will help decrease violence at the state’s clubs.
“When you have underage people in an environment where alcohol is being served, it becomes a breeding ground for trouble,” Hearn said in the press release.
She added that permitting underage individuals into clubs makes it easier for them to acquire alcohol. “It doesn’t matter that clubs aren’t allowed to serve 18-year-olds,” she said in the release. “Underage patrons can more easily find ways to get alcoholic drinks from friends who are of age, and it’s dangerous.”
It is unclear whether, if the bill passes, the law would prevent individuals under the age of 21 from attending concerts where alcohol is served.
Student activity fee
Rhode Island public schools might soon be able to charge their students activity fees to fund extracurricular groups, including athletics teams and musical groups.
Sen. Louis DiPalma, D-Little Compton, Middletown, Newport and Tiverton, introduced the legislation in the General Assembly Jan. 23, and the bill had its first hearing before the Senate Committee on Education yesterday. DiPalma said he wants schools to have an opportunity to save programs that might otherwise be cut due to a lack of funds, WPRI reported.
At the first committee meeting, the bill’s opponents overwhelmed its supporters, WPRI reported. Opponents expressed concern that a fee would prevent low-income students from participating in after-school activities. Anita McGuire-Forcier — a member of the Woonsocket School Committee — warned the legislation would send children who would have been in after-school activities to the streets, potentially causing a spike in crime.
The legislation would not require schools to implement activity fees, and it contains a provision that would prevent schools from charging fees to students who receive free or reduced lunches.
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