Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

The ordinance "barring minors in certain establishments" prohibits persons younger than 18 from providing entertainment or serving food and drinks at "adult entertainment establishments," which, as defined in the city zoning codes, includes strip clubs.

The measure was proposed after a minor was found working as a stripper in a city club. The city later determined that local laws ban photos and films of minors in sexually suggestive poses, but not live acts.

The ordinance on "hospitality business protection and worker retention" would require that the Dunkin' Donuts Center, the Rhode Island Convention Center, the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and three hotels to retain employees for up to six months following a change in management.

The proposal came in response to concerns by workers at the Westin Providence Hotel, represented by Local 217 of Unite Here, who anticipated layoffs in September as the Cranston-based Procaccianti Group sought to outsource certain services, including valet, laundry and kitchen staff.

The ordinance would affect hotel and food service employees who work at least 10 hours per week and earn less than $60,000 a year at the Westin, Renaissance, and Hilton hotels and the convention-center complex, said City Councilman Michael Solomon, the ordinance's sponsor.

Both the ordinance dealing with minors and dealing with hotels were approved for the second and final time by the council. They now go to the mayor for approval.

Southgate, the new city solicitor approved by the council, joined the Cicilline administration in 2003, and has been the primary legal counsel for city boards, commissions, and the council.

As deputy solicitor, she assisted in managing a team of 17 attorneys and support staff in the Law Department.

Southgate holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College and a J.D. degree from Wayne State University School of Law. She currently resides in Barrington.