Capitol Hill grocery stores have been doing it for years Now, the city is looking at one Seattle Safeway to see if closing off second entrance is unsafe

A complaint against a Safeway store in Capitol Hill has prompted the city of Seattle to evaluate the legality of closing one of its entrances to deter shoplifting. The city issued a "Notice of Violation" after receiving reports that the store was not complying with city code, which mandates that both main entrances be open during business hours. Safeway's legal representatives maintain that the closure is within legal bounds and that the entryway can be reopened if required. The city has requested that all relevant information be submitted by March 18th, leading to a potential decision on the issue. If Safeway is found to be in violation, it faces penalties of up to $500 per day.

This situation sheds light on a broader trend among grocery chains, which have increasingly opted to close secondary entrances as a means to combat crime. Notably, this practice has been observed in other stores in the area, including QFC, which has also sealed off its secondary entries. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for how grocery stores in Seattle manage customer access while addressing safety concerns.