Originally Posted by ratbastid

You know.... It's easy for me to say from all the way over here with no personal or financial stake in the matter. But I hate to see assholes like this have the power to close up even a single honest merchant for the day. It's like a western movie when the bad guys ride into town and everybody holes up. These guys are closing you down with just the threat of their presence. That's terrorism, right there.

I don't know if powerclown's suggestion is the wisest in terms of safety, but I certainly like it best in terms of attitude.

Having your cop buddy on hand (especially if he's in uniform) would be very helpful no matter what you do, I think.