A new ordinance expands a curfew to more neighborhoods than just Kensington and will now force businesses to close up shop overnight.
The new curfew goes into effect 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10 for businesses in Germantown, Fairhill, Hunting Park, Frankford and Mount Airy as well as Kensington.
All businesses that do not have a liquor license, a drive through or a gas station will not be allowed to operate between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. every day.
Any shops that stay open passed 11 p.m. could face fines of up to $1,000.
The curfew has prompted backlash from local activists and small business owners as community members have gathered at public meetings to voice their concerns in recent months.
Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada who championed the bill said that the law is intended to reduce crime and increase quality of life in those areas.
Despite the pushback, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that she will not do anything to prevent the bill from becoming law.
“I want to wholeheartedly affirm that I support the intent of her legislation. We have been unapologetic about affirming, under the Parker administration, that we are going to war with the status quo in the City of Philadelphia and that is what Councilmember Lozada is working to do with that legislation,” Mayor Parker explained.
Jennifer Rodriquez with the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said that the law will deal a major blow to the businesses that rely on late night sales.
On Monday, Sept. 8, nearly a dozen local organizations sent a letter to the city asking them to reconsider the ordinance explaining that they’re concerned this curfew could hurt the overall local economy.
“We are going to continue doing everything that we possibly can to make public health and safety an improve the quality of life in the City of Philadelphia,” Parker said.
According to data from the Institute for Justice, 14% of Philadelphia’s night time economy comes from the food, beverage and hospitality industries.
A spokesperson for the city of Philadelphia said that enforcement of this bill will start in 60 days.
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