7-Eleven store used sound to keep homeless people away

(FEBRUARY 2, 2019) 7-Eleven stores are popular businesses around the state. Many people visit them for little things they want or need. However, a 7-Eleven store in downtown Portland is not popular with some people.

In the past, the downtown convenience store played classical music outside its doors. Recently, the store played a high-pitched noise that bothers people's ears. It sounded like a security alarm. The store used the sound to stop homeless people from gathering on the sidewalk in front of the store.

"The classical music just put them to sleep," said a store clerk.

However, some say the sound might not be legal. The Portland Mercury newspaper says it is illegal to make unreasonable noise in order to be inconvenient or annoying. The newspaper reports that the city has a similar law to control the level of noise.

Some people have complained to the city. The building's owner told KGW TV: "Our goal is to protect the safety of our employees, tenants and guests in a location that has been consistently plagued by public drug use and menacing behavior. The sound is a safe tool to help address the problems that have persisted at this location."

KGW TV says the sound is now off. But people are still mad. They want 7-Eleven to explain why it used the sound.

Paul Van Orden works for the city of Portland. He is the noise control officer. He says it doesn't matter why the store used the sound. "It’s just something that ... is not acceptable. I've been doing this 23 years, so in those years, I’ve had similar types of sounds. Usually it’s to scare away raccoons or cats or some kinds of critters.”

Representatives from organizations that help homeless people think it is important to talk about. They think it makes life more difficult for people who already have a hard life.