Mayor wants new rules for after-hours bars

Story by Tom Smith

Mayor Richard Daley’s attempt to amend the liquor license law for after-hours clubs received a mixed reaction Sept. 19 from the City Council’s Committee on License and Consumer Protection.

Of particular concern: the provision requiring late-hour liquor businesses to install surveillance cameras at building exits. This would amend the city’s existing liquor license process.

Besides cameras, the revised ordinance would require 220 after-hours businesses to have proper exterior lighting, staff training on unruly patrons and an overall safety plan.

Scott Bruner, director of the Department of Business Affairs and Licensing, told the committee Mayor Daley wants existing licensees to be in compliance by Jan. 1, 2008.

Committee members expressed concerns about the amendment’s economic burden on businesses, who would have to buy and set up equipment, and the potential loss of money from customers scared away by the cameras.

“Businessmen in my ward are concerned about the negative impact of cameras. It could be a deterrent” to business, said Ald. Ray Suarez (31st).

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said gays and lesbians in his North Side ward have privacy concerns about surveillance cameras. He pointed to the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and the potential for surveillance videos to be used as evidence to end someone’s military career.

The amendment is about “quality of life” issue for homes and businesses near after-hours clubs, Bruner said. Excessive noise, fights and more serious acts of violence including shootings have occurred at some after-hours clubs and businesses that currently hold city liquor licenses.

Under the current law, late-hour clubs and stores can stay open until 4 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and until 5 a.m. Sunday.

Bruner said after-hours clubs are an added expense – in money and time – for the police department due to the additional patrols sometimes needed to control people leaving the night spots.

If the amendment passes, businesses would be required to have cameras working between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. on days the business is open. Owners would have to keep all recordings for 72 hours in case they’re needed in a criminal case.

“That’s not enough time,” said Ald. Willie Cochran (20th).

The former Chicago police officer said some criminal cases do not even start until after that 72-hour period. Bruner said his office arrived at that length of time after consulting with police and prosecutors.

Chairman Gene Schulter (47th) said the committee would continue to work with Bruner’s office to address the alderman’s concerns before Mayor Daley’s Jan. 1 deadline.