Remove liquor stores near Kankakee schools for a brighter future
The Issue
Growing up in Kankakee and attending Dr. King Middle School, there was always one thing that bothered me deeply: the liquor store situated dangerously close to our innocent learning environment. I remember chatting with my classmates and sharing a common discomfort. How were we to focus on our education, on building a brighter future, when every day, just steps away, was a constant reminder of a future burdened by substances that impair our development?
Research has consistently shown that the presence of alcohol retailers near schools increases the likelihood of minors being exposed to alcohol. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol use is associated with the leading causes of death and risk behavior among youth in America. Furthermore, studies reveal a notable correlation between exposure to alcohol outlets and increased youth drinking.
The City of Kankakee deserves better. Our children deserve an environment where they can thrive without being bombarded by the temptations and pressures of alcohol. This is why the community needs to take immediate action to relocate liquor stores and smoke shops away from the vicinity of our schools.
Our goal is clear: we seek an amendment to local zoning laws that prohibits the establishment of such retailers within a specified distance from schools. This is not an impossible task. Cities across the nation have taken similar actions, prioritizing the well-being of their youth and successfully implementing buffer zones.
This change can help protect our children by promoting safer neighborhoods that encourage learning and growth. In doing so, we can contribute to reducing underage drinking rates and setting a powerful precedent for future generations.
Now is the time for the city officials of Kankakee to listen to the voice of their community. Let's come together and ask them to make a decisive change for the benefit of our children. Sign this petition to demand the removal of liquor stores and smoke shops near our schools, and help shape a healthier and more promising future for Kankakee’s young minds.
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The Issue
Growing up in Kankakee and attending Dr. King Middle School, there was always one thing that bothered me deeply: the liquor store situated dangerously close to our innocent learning environment. I remember chatting with my classmates and sharing a common discomfort. How were we to focus on our education, on building a brighter future, when every day, just steps away, was a constant reminder of a future burdened by substances that impair our development?
Research has consistently shown that the presence of alcohol retailers near schools increases the likelihood of minors being exposed to alcohol. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol use is associated with the leading causes of death and risk behavior among youth in America. Furthermore, studies reveal a notable correlation between exposure to alcohol outlets and increased youth drinking.
The City of Kankakee deserves better. Our children deserve an environment where they can thrive without being bombarded by the temptations and pressures of alcohol. This is why the community needs to take immediate action to relocate liquor stores and smoke shops away from the vicinity of our schools.
Our goal is clear: we seek an amendment to local zoning laws that prohibits the establishment of such retailers within a specified distance from schools. This is not an impossible task. Cities across the nation have taken similar actions, prioritizing the well-being of their youth and successfully implementing buffer zones.
This change can help protect our children by promoting safer neighborhoods that encourage learning and growth. In doing so, we can contribute to reducing underage drinking rates and setting a powerful precedent for future generations.
Now is the time for the city officials of Kankakee to listen to the voice of their community. Let's come together and ask them to make a decisive change for the benefit of our children. Sign this petition to demand the removal of liquor stores and smoke shops near our schools, and help shape a healthier and more promising future for Kankakee’s young minds.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on August 8, 2026