Police in Wicker Park have been cracking down on folks using public way as their personal bathroom or bar. According to DNAinfo's Alisa Hauser, Chicago Police Capt. Anthony Escamilla popped into a Wicker Park Committee meeting last week and said the number of Administrative Notice of Ordinance Violation tickets for drinking and urinating in the public way are up by 40 percent.
In June and July, 91 tickets were issued for drinking in the public way and 61 for public urination in CPD Beat 1424, which includes the hopping intersection of North/Damen/Milwaukee (appropriately nicknamed "The Crotch"). The surge in tickets are likely a result of police cracking down rather than a rise in alleyway tinkling.
In 2013, the City Council passed a measure that toughened up on "quality of life" misdemeanors, making a fine for public drinking or urination start at $150. If an offender fails to appear in court, the punishment can increase to $1,000 or even jail time.
So if you're planning a visit to one of the many bars and restaurants in Wicker Park, be sure to use the lavatory before departing—it could save you some precious beer money.