Baltimore riot damage adds burden to small businesses
Associated Press - Apr 30, 2015
Richard Sung Kang's American dream came crashing down in a shower of broken glass.
His West Baltimore liquor store and bar, the Oxford Tavern, was hit by looters during a riot over the police-involved death of neighborhood resident Freddie Gray.
The business wasn't torched like the nearby CVS pharmacy, but its doors and windows were broken and cash and inventory stolen, leaving shelves bare.
Now the 49-year-old South Korean immigrant must decide whether to reopen. If so, it could mean taking on more debt and paying higher insurance premiums.
"I don't know yet," said Kang, looking dejected and exhausted Wednesday after rioters damaged scores of businesses in pockets of the city.
About 200 small businesses were unable to open the day after the violence, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said.
