February 1, 2006—Licensed businesses that are open for more than 12 hours a day would be required to install security cameras in their stores and parking lots under a proposal by Chicago safety officials.
Law enforcement and emergency-management officials voiced support for the proposal last week at a meeting of the City Council’s license committee, while opponents said it would add to the already high cost of doing business in the city, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Hundreds of stores, restaurants, bars and gas stations would be required to install cameras under the measure. Offices, apartment buildings and condominiums managed by companies holding city business licenses would also be forced to put up cameras, but factories and warehouses would be exempt.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Chicagoland Apartment Association and the Illinois Restaurant Association have voiced formal opposition to the proposal. For more information, visit the Web site of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
