Under a newly proposed ordinance, bar and liquor store owners in Paterson would be required to install surveillance cameras at their businesses.

The council president’s proposed ordinance would require bars and liquor stores to have cameras at entrances, exits and in parking lots. A provision to require cameras behind the cash register may also be added.

Pal's Liquors is already ahead of the proposed law. The store’s owners believe that surveillance cameras protect employees and customers.

“We definitely agree with that.  We have our cameras up, so we think it's something everybody should have,” Pal's Liquors employee Craig Malajian said.

The ordinance would require the cameras to roll constantly during business hours. Store owners would then have to keep the footage for at least 90 days, so it could be used by police.