South Side residents, business groups and elected officials are responding to the Friday stabbing by calling for Capo’s closing. An open letter calls on the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office to return to court and seek a court-ordered closure of Capo’s. The groups argue the bar has violated at least three provisions of a consent agreement that allowed it to remain open under specific safety conditions. They say continued violence associated with the business is discouraging people from visiting the South Side, costing neighboring businesses customers and damaging the district’s future. The letter acknowledges closing a business has consequences for owners and employees, but argues the safety and livelihoods of the entire community must also be considered. The coalition is asking the district attorney to publicly identify the next enforcement steps.
