Aldermen Calling For Closure Of EvilOlive After Shooting

CHICAGO — A shooting outside a nightclub in Wicker Park has prompted two aldermen to call for the club's closure. A bouncer was shot outside the evilOlive early Wednesday morning, police said. He remains in critical condition.

In a letter to residents, Ald. Brian Hopkins said he's spoken with 12th District Police Commander Stephen Chung, and requested that the city "institute Summary Closure on the grounds that EvilOlive poses an immediate public safety threat."

Ald. Joe Moreno said he's also calling for the nightclub's closure on the same grounds.

The summary closure ordinance allows for the immediate closure of licensed liquor establishments when a violent incident occurs there.

The shooting occurred around 3:44 a.m. outside the nightclub in the 1500 block of West Division Street, police said. The bouncer got into an altercation with someone, who then took out a gun and fired several shots, police said. The bouncer was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition, officials said.

"I have a no tolerance policy for businesses that cannot maintain a secure environment for patrons, and pose a safety threat to the public," Hopkins' letter read. "evilOlive’s inability to meet these standards is unacceptable. As a result, I will be seeking the maximum penalty allowed, pursuant to the ordinance."

EvilOlive owners could not be reached for comment.

A person of interest was taken into custody for questioning, and a weapon was recovered at the scene, according to police.

The investigation was ongoing.

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