Daywatch: Chicago bars may feature cops working security

Good morning, Chicago.

Despite Chicago having one of the most lenient moonlighting policies for big-city police officers, some aldermen are looking to make the rules even looser and allowing off-duty cops to begin working security at bars and liquor stores.

A panel of City Council members is expected later this month to tackle the controversial idea that is part of a citywide policy that also prevents police officers from owning taverns or being bartenders. The ownership restrictions would remain in place under the proposal.

The measure is supported by some aldermen but was first pushed by West Side Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th. While Ervin said bars and liquor stores can be “magnets for negative activities” he doesn’t think it is right for the city to forbid those businesses from hiring security guards who can arrest people, if needed, or for the city to prevent officers from legitimate employment.

Read the full story from the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and Sam Charles.

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