Chicago's Party Bus Crackdown Gears Up For New Year's Eve

CHICAGO, IL — With the New Year's Eve holiday fast approaching, Chicago authorities plan to continue cracking down on illegal party buses as part of an ongoing effort to better monitor the companies running these rolling celebrations, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office announced Wednesday. The city already has seen positive results from an ordinance passed earlier this year to help curtail gun violence and improve safety on the buses, the mayor's office said.

“The ordinance we passed this summer is showing progress,” Emanuel said in a statement. "The party is over for illegal party bus operators, and the parties are safer for people using licensed operators."

Since the City Council passed the ordinance in June, 125 tickets and 28 cease-and-desist orders have been handed out to party bus operators not following the new regulations, according to the city. The new ordinance also has led to 11 arrests stemming from illegal weapons and drugs.

Party bus operators have paid nearly $80,000 in fines stemming from violations, too. Fines can run as high as $10,000 depending on the offense.

“As we head to the New Year’s Eve holiday, we want to remind consumers that this tool is there to help ensure their safety as they are celebrating,” Chicago police Supt. Eddie Johnson said in a statement. “If a party bus is part of your plan for this weekend, make sure you are dealing with a licensed operator before you book a charter bus or limo.”

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Under the new regulations, party bus operators serving alcohol or making multiple stops must have security guards, and passengers must be informed of what's prohibited on the buses. These rules come on the heels of a 2016 ordinance that holds party bus operators responsible for their passengers' behavior.

In 2018, Chicago officials hope to see new state licensing legislation that would crack down on illegal party bus operators coming into the city from the suburbs. The statewide regulation would require online registration for party bus operators in Illinois, so that properly licensed companies are easier to identify.

To check if a party bus operator is working legally, go to the City of Chicago's database for more information.

Photo via Shutterstock