Bouncer Cites Safety Flaws At RI Club

A bouncer at a Providence nightclub where five people were stabbed during a large melee last weekend has told city officials about security flaws at the venue.

Matthew Banno testified Thursday before the Board of Licenses about the chaotic violence that erupted early Sunday morning at Level II, a downtown dance club. The board is holding hearings on whether to revoke the club’s licenses.

Banno said the security problems included an unreliable metal detector at the front door and rushed pat-downs.

Five men were stabbed and another injured at the club. Three remain hospitalized.

Police officers also testified about the violence, with one officer calling it a “slaughterhouse.”

The hearings will resume April 23, and the club remains closed because its licenses have been suspended.