Resolution 240724
Calling upon the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to strengthen enforcement against illegal activity in merchants that impact neighborhoods throughout the City of Philadelphia.
Introduced by
From the floor
Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.
“Ogbonna Hagins, fourth -- Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor and the President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen. I rise today to address Resolution 240724, which calls for strengthen enforcement against illegal activity by merchants impacting neighborhoods across Philadelphia. While I support this resolution, it is clear that our city must move beyond so-called B…”
Mr. Hagins · Stated Meeting, January 23, 2025 · Jan 23, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“That concludes today's public comment. We will now consider bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240724. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, January 23, 2025 · Jan 23, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240724.”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, January 23, 2025 · Jan 23, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240724 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, January 23, 2025 · Jan 23, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of safestreetsphilly.org. I support Resolution 240724, which asks for state enforcement of laws against the sale of liquor at corner store establishments pretending to be restaurants. However, City Council and Administration are themselves still not fully enforcing Titles 9 and 10 of the City Code, particularly when it comes to the mentally ill, homeless who continue to haunt our neighbo…”
Ms. Landes · Stated Meeting, December 5, 2024 · Dec 5, 2024 · official transcript, this passage
“Good morning. I'm Lynn Landis of SafeStreetsPhilly.org. I support resolution 240724, which asks for state enforcement of laws against the sale of liquor at corner store establishments pretending to be restaurants. That said, City Council and the city administration are themselves not enforcing certain local, state and federal laws. They have instead followed many Democratic run cities and states and publicly refused…”
Ms. Landis · Stated Meeting, November 21, 2024 · Nov 21, 2024 · official transcript, this passage
Status timeline
- Sep 5, 2024Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar · CITY COUNCIL
- Jan 23, 2025ADOPTED · CITY COUNCIL
Official documents
Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.
Full text
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..Title Calling upon the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to strengthen enforcement against illegal activity in merchants that impact neighborhoods throughout the City of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, Numerous corner stores throughout Philadelphia have been operating under the pretense of being legitimate restaurants without adhering to the necessary legal criteria and standards. The failure to enforce stringent penalties, citations, and closure orders against these deceptive businesses has allowed them to continue their unlawful practices, contributing to the deterioration of community standards and public safety; and WHEREAS, These establishments systematically engage in activities that gravely undermine the safety and well-being of our communities, specifically those selling shots of liquor, take out beer, and various medicines, and the exacerbation of crime and violence, which plague and destabilize our lower-income neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, These establishments, masquerading as restaurants, are a blight on our city, contributing to public nuisance and compromising the safety and quality of life for residents. By misrepresenting their operations, they are violating legal standards and regulations intended to ensure that businesses meet proper criteria for food service and alcohol distribution; and WHEREAS, The lack of rigorous enforcement of fines, citations, and closure orders against these unlawful businesses has led to a troubling erosion of neighborhood standards, allowing these establishments to continue their detrimental operations unchecked; and WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must confront the rampant illegal sale of liquor in these establishments with unyielding resolve, enhancing inspection protocols and imposing severe penalties for violations. It is imperative that these enforcement actions address not only the illegal sale of alcohol but also the broader issues of crime and public disorder that these businesses contribute to; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it requests the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania take immediate and decisive action to rectify this situation. The State must intensify its enforcement measures to ensure that these merchants, which deceitfully present themselves as restaurants but fail to meet legal requirements, are subjected to substantial fines, strict citations, and, where necessary, closure. FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Council call upon state and local agencies to collaborate effectively to tackle the pervasive problems caused by these unlawful operations. This collaboration must prioritize the immediate improvement of community safety and the restoration of neighborhood standards, ensuring that residents are no longer subjected to the negative impacts of these rogue businesses. ..End