Newark City Council Approves Ordinance Requiring Eateries That Stay Open Late Hire Armed Security

The Newark City Council today approved legislation that calls for late-night eateries to post armed guards after 9 p.m. until they close.

The new ordinance, sponsored by South Ward Councilman Ras Baraka, comes roughly a month after South Ward resident and police officer William Johnson was shot and killed while waiting to buy a slice of pizza at Texas Fried Chicken and Pizza.

{snip}

As of now, the ordinance would affect only those places that serve fewer than 20 people. Larger, sit-down restaurants would not be affected.

If the eateries cannot provide the guards, they will be forced to close during the night-time hours.