CHICAGO – A proposed ordinance from Chicago’s aldermen would put stricter guidelines in place for the city’s 24-hour convenience stores. The operators would need approval from the city to stay open all night and the approval would only be granted if they have a plan to minimize “noise and disturbances.”

The ordinance states: “In order to reduce noise and disturbances in and near residential districts, a retail food establishment whose primary business activity is the service of prepared food to the public shall not be open for business … between the hours of 1 am and 5 am without permission from the commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.”

To obtain the required permission to stay open all night, convenience stores must submit a written application that includes a list of all residential units within 660 feet of any portion of the store’s building; a plan for minimizing noise and disturbances associated with the operation; and a detailed description of the convenience store premises and facilities.

The commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection would then review the store’s “setting” and “proximity to residences and hospitals” along with the establishment’s history of “public complaints of noise and other disturbances” before deciding whether to grant a special license. Local residents would also have the opportunity to respond to the store’s petition.