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Philadelphia Council Votes To Rein In Late Night Hours For Kensington Area Businesses Starting Immediately

Official:Amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Service and Other Businesses”, by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within an area bounded by East Lehigh Avenue, Kensington Avenue, D Street, E. Tioga Street and Frankford Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember Lozada

Introduced: March 14, 2024

business public safety zoning

Plain-Language Summary

This bill regulates the hours of operation for certain businesses in a specific area of Philadelphia, known as the Seventh District, to be between 6am and 11pm. Businesses that open outside these hours will face fines. The restrictions are set to expire on January 1, 2028.

What This Bill Does

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Regulates the hours of operation of certain establishments in a specific area of Philadelphia, known as the Seventh District, between 6am and 11pm.
Imposes fines of $500 per day for businesses that open outside of these designated hours.
Defines a "Commercial Establishment" as an establishment involved in the buying and selling of goods where consumers primarily purchase goods intended for consumption or use off premises.
Sets a sunset provision, meaning that the restrictions on hours of operation will expire on January 1, 2028.

Both Sides

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The case for

This bill will help revitalize the 7th District by establishing a clear and consistent nighttime economy, allowing local businesses to thrive during evening hours when foot traffic is typically higher. The designated hours of operation will provide a welcoming and safe environment for residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community and economic growth. By regulating commercial establishments, the city will also ensure that residents are not disrupted by noise and disruptions from late-night businesses, promoting a better quality of life for everyone.

The case against

This bill unfairly targets small businesses in the Seventh District, imposing significant financial burdens and regulatory hurdles. By imposing daily fines of $500, the bill threatens to bankrupt small businesses that cannot afford the costs of compliance, forcing some out of business and reducing the district's economic vitality. The bill's one-size-fits-all approach also assumes that all businesses in the Seventh District operate in the same way, ignoring the needs and characteristics of individual establishments and stifling innovation and entrepreneurship.

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