The Benton Harbor Public Safety and Public Works committee is moving forward with a proposed ordinance to regulate business hours in the city. The committee advanced a resolution Wednesday to adopt the measure, which would require certain businesses to close between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.
The proposed ordinance targets businesses that continue to operate after the 2 a.m. cutoff for alcohol sales. City officials noted that such businesses “tend to attract crowds” late at night. The gatherings turn into what city officials have called “nuisance parties” that have led to illegal activity including drug use and violence, that in the past has turned deadly.
The ordinance would prohibit any business open to the public for retail sales from operating during the three-hour window.
City manager Alex Little said officials met with several business owners and expressed support for the idea. Violators would face a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a maximum fine of $500, or both.
The proposed ordinance is expected to be discussed at the next Benton Harbor City Commission meeting.
