New 'Nights And Weekends' Team Enforcing Party Bus Regulations

CHICAGO (CBS) -- As holiday party season kicks into full gear, Chicago is continuing to tighten the regulatory noose against party bus operators accused of violating rules aimed at reining in rowdyism and violence.

Since Jan. 1 of this year, 385 citations and 22 "cease and desist" orders have been issued against party bus operators.

The crackdown has triggered $300,070 in penalties against operators accused of violating the city's rigid rules.

A so-called "nights and weekends" team created by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has now completed training and has started permanent shifts.

The "new and targeted enforcement" comes at a time when party bus companies are most active.