Chicago City Council to Vote on New Restrictions for Dollar Store Locations

The proposed ordinance aims to curb the negative impact of dollar stores on food access in poor neighborhoods, but faces opposition from some aldermen.

• Chicago City Council is set to vote on a new ordinance that would restrict where dollar stores can be built in the city, with the aim of curbing their negative impact on food access in poor neighborhoods.
• The proposed legislation would prevent operators from opening new 'small-box retailers' within a mile of existing dollar stores they own and would require new stores to display maintenance and emergency information.
• The ordinance targets medium-sized stores that typically charge less than $5 for goods, but makes exceptions for pharmacies, gas stations, specialty food stores, and 'small-box retailers' that dedicate at least 10% of their floor space to fresh foods.
• Dollar General representatives have agreed to add healthier food options for exemption, while other companies are considering it.
• Some aldermen oppose the ordinance, arguing that it would make it harder for people in low-income neighborhoods to get essentials and that the companies have recently worked to address concerns.

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