Mayor Parker permits new expanded business curfew to become law without her signature, as City Council concludes its session.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has allowed a contentious bill, which extends the 11 p.m. business curfew to additional areas in Philadelphia, to become law without her endorsement. Initially established in June by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, the bill received unanimous support in a 16-0 vote from the City Council before arriving at Parker’s desk. The legislation faced significant backlash, especially from food truck proprietors who argued that the extended curfew would severely impact their businesses. Critics also raised concerns regarding the legality of imposing such sweeping restrictions on a broad segment of the city.
Despite holding reservations about the bill, Parker opted to let it become law rather than veto it, an action seen as potentially futile given the Council’s solid backing for the legislation. The bill marks a continuation of efforts to reduce crime associated with “nuisance businesses,” which led to Lozada’s initial curfew measure in 2024 that required businesses in Kensington to close by 11 p.m. The newly passed law broadens this curfew to encompass all of Lozada’s 7th Council District, as well as parts of the 8th District, represented by Councilmember Cindy Bass, and segments of the 1st District, overseen by Mark Squilla. Additionally, the new law doubles curfew violation fines, raising them from 0 to ,000.
Food truck operator Edward Bonilla reported that the original curfew had already resulted in reduced hours for his workers, negatively impacting their earnings. During the public comment segment, he requested that lawmakers consider the livelihood of small business owners while pursuing measures intended for public safety.
The bill has opened doors for potential legal challenges as proponents of small businesses, including representatives from the Virginia-based libertarian law firm Institute for Justice, assert that the law compromises community trust and economic vitality. These advocates urge a reevaluation of the strategies aimed at addressing nuisance businesses without jeopardizing the interests of local entrepreneurs.
Alongside this legislation, Parker also introduced a bill aimed at resolving a legal impasse regarding bike lanes in Center City. Following a judicial ruling that blocked the establishment of car loading zones in bike lanes, the new proposal seeks to formalize the city’s authority to create such provisions while maintaining pedestrian safety.
In a broader context, Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson highlighted ongoing concerns regarding unregulated businesses, particularly smoke shops selling unmonitored recreational substances. Recent investigations have linked these establishments to rising addiction rates and community degradation. Richardson’s proposed legislative measures intend to close regulatory gaps and enhance enforcement at these venues, emphasizing a commitment to protecting public health and safety.
As the city grapples with these pressing challenges, the intertwining issues of business regulation, public safety, and community welfare continue to prompt intense debate among city officials and residents alike. With additional scrutiny expected, the response from both business owners and the local government will be pivotal as Philadelphia progresses toward a solution that balances safety and economic stability.
