JACKSON, MS ? Earlier this month, Jackson City Council approved a measure that will require convenience stores to have security personnel on their premises from midnight to 5 am and file a security plan with the city, a move thas has many owners concerned and upset, the Clarion Ledger reports.
Convenience store owner David Craddock said that he might adjust his store?s opening hours to avoid hiring a security guard, which costs up to $20 an hour. He is equally upset about the economic impact the law will have over the long run.
"If you break a person's habit in their comfort zone and they're used to going to your store at any hour, they'll go where they can get that comfort from another store,? he said.
Other owners have expressed confusion with the new law, which is scheduled to take effect next month.
"We have several questions," said Gerald Steen, region leader for the area's 12 Sprint Mart stores. "We're waiting to find out what the next step is."
Chris Mims, a spokesperson for the mayor?s office, said the city is reviewing the ordinance because it does not include a penalty for noncompliance.
"There's a call for a safety plan, but what if that doesn't get submitted? Legal is trying to look at it and compare it to other ordinances from other cities, and may bring some suggestions back," Mims said.
Council member Chokwe Lumumba, a lawyer, said he questions the law's constitutionality.
"I am not sure we can choose a certain kind of business to do certain things when there are other businesses that are open at the same times that are not being required to do these things as well," he said.
The ordinance was passed to address numerous violent crimes and robberies that have taken place at convenience stores. However, FBI crime statistics said that for 2009, far more robberies occurred at places other than convenience stores.
Philip Chamblee, director of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association, said a security guard could cost $23,000 or more per year.
"Convenience store operators want a safe place for their customers to shop and employees to work, but you've also got to look at this type of ordinance. It's going to be a burden on businesses at the worst possible economic time," he said.
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