Cheech And Chong Mural Is Causing Huge Controversy In Illinois

The city of Chicago has forced a local hot dog stand business to close over a Cheech and Chong mural.

Illinois Government Doesn't Have A History Of Doing The Right Thing

The Illinois government has a very bad reputation for being severely corrupt. Leading the way is the city of Chicago. Unfortunately, they usually don't do what's right for the residents. If you could just get rid of the dirty officials, our state would be a much more desirable place to live. I really wish someone could go in and just fire them all so we could start from scratch.

Chicago Officials Are Bullying A Small Local Hot Dog Stand Business

Chicago was built on small local businesses. The city should be supporting them and trying to help them as much as possible. Especially, after the tough financial times, they've endured over the last couple of years. Instead, they choose to bully them which could mean many more going out of business.

Battle Between Chicago & Hot Dog Stand Over Cheech & Chong Mural

According to bookclubchicago.org, 

Memo's Hot Dogs is a three-generation-owned family business in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. On the alley side of the building is a hand-painted mural of Cheech and Chong eating hot dogs. There are no words, signs, or advertising. The owners said why they have the artwork on their business is to prevent it from being tagged by graffiti. That's a great reason and it has worked.

A restaurant that has “a sign, canopy, awning, bench, or anything that extends over, under or is on the public way” is required to pay an annual fee for a public way use permit.

 

The city claims the mural is really an advertisement and not a work of art. Memo's Hot Dogs is being forced to pay the fee. Until they do, there will be a fine charged to the business every day. Also, Chicago officials won't allow them to renew their licenses until all the money owed is paid off. As of right now, they are closed.

Memo’s Hot Dogs, 1447 W. 18th St., closed over the weekend, but owners are hoping a they can reach an agreement with the city to reopen soon.

Luckily, there are still some good people working for the city. Pilsen Neighborhood Alderman, Byron Sigcho-Lopez, has stepped up to the plate to help out this local business.

Dear City of Chicago, if this was an advertisement then Memo's Hot Dogs would have a much bigger problem. A lawsuit from Cheech and Chong over unauthorized use of their images.