BUSINESS OWNERS PLEAD WITH COPS TO END DRUG WAR

Business owners hope police will end a turf war between rival drug
dealers, who merchants say work in alleys and on roof tops along
Stephen Avenue Mall and who are behind a rash of vandalism along the
city landmark.

Although the popular walk continues to be an attractive destination
for daytime shoppers, when night falls, staff and patrons of
businesses along the strip have to watch where they walk and park, say
victimized business owners.

Abdul Qadeer, at Great Canadian Pizza, said as many as 10 thugs
entered his business Monday night demanding free food.

When his employee refused, the clerk was beaten and a window
smashed.

"This is the area where most of the tourists come and if this kind of
stuff happens, I don't think tourists will take a very good impression
of Calgary," he said.

"Good customers, clean customers are scared to go inside the business
. we are in trouble."

Customers have even been assaulted and robbed right inside his
business, he said.

Ben Ravaie of King Henry VIII Pub, said his business has also been
vandalized.

"I hope it's not going to continue," he said, adding deals go down in
the back alleys, on roof tops, in parking lots and in plain site.

And when drug dealers see others moving into their area, the
perpetrators are often attacked merchants say.

His staff no longer park in the alley because drug workers smash their
windshields, Ravaie said.