PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A new curfew ordinance requires businesses in certain Philadelphia neighborhoods to close between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
It’s drawing criticism from some business owners who say the measure unfairly targets their operations.
The curfew, which goes into effect Thursday, applies to businesses located in Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s District 7, which includes Kensington, Frankford, and Hunting Park.
It also covers Councilmember Cindy Bass’s District 8, spanning Germantown, Mount Airy, Logan, and Chestnut Hill.
A new curfew ordinance requires businesses in certain Philadelphia neighborhoods to close between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Affected establishments include food trucks, bodegas, takeout restaurants, and 24-hour shops. Businesses that hold liquor licenses, as well as gas stations and drive-thrus, are exempt from the ordinance.
Violators could face fines of up to $1,000 per day starting November 10 after a 60-day notice period for business owners.
Mitesh Patel owns The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy on Kensington Avenue. He said the law could disrupt essential services his business provides beyond its public hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We’re already in a bad area, and I don’t think putting a bill under the umbrella of a nuisance business is the right way to fix the underlying problems,” Patel said.
Patel also expressed concern that the ordinance may shift criminal activity rather than reduce it.
“The supposed bill is supposed to deter crime. I think what will happen is that crime will go elsewhere. In other streets, vacant buildings will become the new spot, or more residential areas,” he said. “We need to use the existing laws and actually address the issues. Treat the actual problems and not say it’s a business’s fault.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker acknowledged the intent behind the legislation but said she would not sign the bill.
“The quality of life aspect of that legislation is the part that I am very much in tune with. It will become law in the city, it just won’t have my signature,” says Parker.
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