Chicago Attacks Businesses that Officials Say Breed Crime
In an effort to address liquor and convenience stores that were gang hangouts in neighborhoods overrun by shootings, drugs and violence, the city of Chicago is using aggressive tactics – revoking business licenses, temporarily shutting down or fining businesses that officials say are magnets for neighborhood crime.
According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, one convenience store in the West Rogers Park neighborhood has been repeatedly cited for selling loose cigarettes for underage teens, which is a practice that city officials say has led to loitering and complaints that the store is contributing to nearby street drug deals and violent crime.