A U.S. senator is stepping up his efforts to limit nightclub hours in East St. Louis.

Sen. Dick Durbin said Monday that earlier closing times for nightclubs and liquor stores would improve safety for city residents. The Illinois Democrat specifically challenged Mayor Alvin Parks Jr. to do his part in reducing crime rates. (Read the full letter from Durbin to Parks).

Durbin says there were four shooting incidents around the city's clubs just in the second half of 2011.

Durbin wants clubs to close at 11 p.m. during the week and 1 a.m. on weekends. He also says they should be required to improve security.

The mayor has so far refused to support earlier closing hours for the city, which lies just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis.

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