Time to close Chicago bars at midnight?

A fight spilled out of Chicago bar at 2:30 AM Sunday morning. According to a neighbor across the street, 10 shots rang out. Sirens began wailing. Three participants lay dead with a fourth in critical condition. The neighbor said that early morning fights and blaring music occur nearly every weekend.

While four shot with three dead is unusual, murder and mayhem in and around Chicago bars after midnight is not. Such violence could be reduced by closing all gin mills at midnight when patrons are likely less impaired and violence prone than hours later. Nearby residents will sleep a little sounder.

There is no upside to keeping bars open after midnight. The downside is littered with former citizens and bullet casings.