Chicago Heights City Council Limits Pawnbroker and Liquor Licenses

The Chicago Heights attacked multiple city-issued licenses at Monday's city council meeting.

The council unanimously decided to limit the number of pawnbroker and precious metal and gem broker licenses allowed to be issued by the city, capping the number of cash-for-gold spots and pawn shops allowed to operate in the city.

There can now only be ten second-hand dealers operating in the city at once, and that limit could be reached soon. There are two pawn shops and six cash-for-gold dealers at the moment, with two pawn shop license applications pending, according to Mayor David Gonzalez.

But that wasn't all the council limited. They also reduced the number of liquor and tavern licenses in an effort to lower the amount of outstanding licenses.

"This amendment will reduce the amount of packaged good licenses from the current operating 18 to 17 and the amount of tavern licenses from 15 to 14," Somer said in the meeting, according to the Northwest Indiana Times.

Gonzalez did make an exception, saying he would ask the council to make more licenses available if a national restaurant chain expressed interest in opening a branch in the Heights.

Because the ordinance also allows gas stations in Chicago Heights to pursue liquor licenses and sell alcohol if approved, Fourth Ward Ald. Joshua Deabel voted against the ordinance, leading to a 6-1 passing.