ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTVA-CBS 11 News) - A number of Anchorage businesses say they have a problem with a new law cracking down on excessive emergency calls.

Beginning in January, Anchorage Police officials say they will start enforcing the new law. Anchorage Assemblywoman Sheila Selkregg says she modeled it after a law aimed at cracking down on landlords not taking care of unruly tenants.

"It was pretty important to me that we write an ordinance that doesn't allow a poorly run establishment to be subsidized by public dollars," Selkregg says.

After 100 calls about a so-called problem business, APD can fine that business $500 for each subsequent call. If the business is the one calling police, however, it does not count against them.

Selkregg, and police, say the law is intended to push business owners to either turn troubled customers away, or call police themselves before a much more serious situation erupts. .

"99 and nine-tenths of the commercial owners in this community won't be touched by this," Selkregg says.

The assemblywoman says it is time for so called chronic businesses to pay for excessive police calls she feels are costing community taxpayers thousands of dollars.

"In the review of their permit it became apparent that one business had over $120,000 worth of police calls," Selkregg says. "Basically the public was paying for because they were a problem establishment."

Anchorage CHARR's President John Pattee, who represents 200

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Anchorage cabarets, hotels, restaurants and retailers, says his association thinks the law is unnecessary.

"There's already laws out there that address problem establishments," Pattee says referring to a 2005 law. "That says at any time the chief of police can bring the establishment to a public safety committee of the assembly and talk about problems."

Police, however, felt that law only targeted alcohol establishments. This new ordinance includes all businesses.

"The intent is not punishing establishments. And we also want establishments to feel like they can call police if they need police." Selkregg says. "I think we've taken the time to listen to the concerns. I think it's a good solid ordinance. We worked closely with CHARR. We worked closely with the commercial community."

"I don't remember getting invited to one meeting about this, and I'm president of Anchorage CHARR," Pattee says, feeling the law could actually backfire.

"Putting a number on the number of police calls is not a good idea," Pattee says. "And it's going to discourage them from calling. "

Selkregg says every single issue CHARR raised was responded to and addressed within the ordinance.

An ordinance amendment is included which gives businesses a warning after 80 calls. Police say they will start enforcing the law in January.

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