Police and city officials say the cafes are trouble spots because they attract gangs and large groups of teens interested in playing violent Internet video games.

"We're finding our gangs are hanging out at Internet cafes," said Sgt. Robert Fowler of the Garden Grove Police Department. "They are playing against other Internet cafes. One group gets mad at the other, and they know where to find them."

Police have reported murders, shootouts, stabbings and fistfights at various Internet cafes throughout southern California.

To address the issue, city officials are drafting ordinances that set closing times and age restrictions and require security guards or video surveillance.

Cafe owners said the proposed regulations would put them out of business. "When you are talking about security guards and cameras, that is very expensive," said Ariel S. Pagtakhan, owner of Cyber HQ in Garden Grove. "I can't afford that."

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