A thriving nightlife scene plays an often under-appreciated role in ensuring a city’s economic health. That’s especially true in a place like Providence, where restaurants are among the leading attractions.

But when the threat of late-night violence is so great at nightclubs that it begins to dull the attraction for visitors and residents alike, then it puts not only those businesses but an entire segment of the local economy at risk.

The city’s latest effort to create a more hospitable nightlife environment includes a host of recommendations from a City Council committee. They include stiffer penalties for license violations, increased security, wristbands for customers and a ban on underage admission.

Club owners will not like all of the proposals, Colosseum co-owner Anthony Santurri told PBN in a story on page 5. He himself supports everything except a ban on underage admission, which would need General Assembly approval.

But Santurri recognizes the city has to do something “to reclaim and redefine nightlife here,” he told PBN. It starts with club owners like him being willing to make changes and city and state leaders staying engaged long enough to see them through. •