The Pittsburgh Citizen

With the G-20 summit quickly approaching, businesses, are faced with the decision of whether to close their stores or keep them open. With few customers likely in the Downtown restricted zone on the days of the Summit, remaining open could actually cost businesses money, but closing leaves the property vulnerable to looting or vandalism.

In London, protesters and police clashed when the protesters charged police lines around the Bank of England. Police also faced 20 vandals who ransacked a Royal Bank of Scotland office for more than a half hour. Other banks and businesses chose to board their windows rather than hope for good behavior while they were closed.

In Pittsburgh, security measures have been in the planning stages for months but many questions like, “should we close?” have been met with tentative answers. The Assistant Office Manager of First Commonwealth Bank interviewed for this story said that their bank branch on Smithfield Street will be closed during the Summit. PNC Bank is prohibiting its employees from disclosing information regarding G-20 preparations due to “security issues.” Many residents and business owners are awaiting the release of more G-20 security details and the managers of Pittsburgh’s banks are no different.