News Article

Mayor Booker Say Ordinance Limiting Late-Night Eateries Promotes Quality Of Life

By Katie Colaneri, WBGO News
Newark. February 2, 2012

Newark Mayor Cory Booker says he’s considering an ordinance from the city council restricting the hours of some late-night restaurants.

The new law specifically targets high-crime areas, as opposed to earlier drafts that required all eateries open past 9 p.m. to hire armed security guards.

Mayor Booker says it’d help promote a higher quality of life in these areas.

“To me it’s not about crime, it’s about being smart about how you want your city to manage these kind of restaurants and businesses.

The city is pushing to create a more active nightlife with new hotels and restaurants planned for downtown. However, Booker says not all parts of Newark are suitable for a late-night atmosphere.

“But we have a severe problem with some of the as they call 'chicken shacks' or Chinese food restaurants that really have become a haven for people congregating around them that often have ill will.”

The designated restaurants would close at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. The law also gives business owners the right to appeal.

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