Oak Lawn declines license renewal of Chuck E. Cheese

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chuck E. Cheese restaurants are promoted as family-friendly environments, but some neighbors say they can also be breeding grounds for violence.

Though the Oak Lawn Chuck E. Cheese has been a destination for countless birthdays and kids celebrations, it will close by November 30.

The Village of Oak Lawn has not renewed the business license for Chuck E. Cheese after the Village Manager told ABC 7 there have been a series of altercations at the restaurant including one injuring a police officer.

A violent incident at an Ohio Chuck E. Cheese was caught on video tape in 2015. It is believed to have started when a customer was upset that a photo booth was not functioning.

"What concerns me is that those troublemakers who have been out there at the Oak Lawn facility are going to come over here and bring that violence and poor behavior over here," said Chatham resident Worlee Glover.

Worlee Glover, a long-time resident of the Chatham neighborhood, is concerned about a Chuck E. Cheese being considered for a spot at his nearby mall at 87th and the Dan Ryan Expressway.

"We have our share of violence, just like throughout the city," said Glover. "We don't need any additional problems."

"I believe it's the patrons who are patrons and people who come from our community, so we have to deal with that issue. But just to say a blanket ban on Chuck E. Cheese, no," said Ald. Howard Brookins (21st Ward).

Ald. Brookins said there is no proposal for a Chuck E Cheese, it is only one possibility. He says if the restaurant were to apply for a place on 87th he would want a security plan.

"When people go to Chuck E. Cheese in Oak Lawn, they take their tax dollars with them to Oak Lawn and take jobs with them to Oak Lawn. So we have to figure out a way to monitor behavior of the patrons, to make sure there's adequate security at these establishments," said Ald. Brookins.

The parent company of Chuck E Cheese and the company that owns the mall on 87th Street have not returned calls for comment.