Philadelphia, PA − October 2, 2024 – In today’s meeting, the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force voted unanimously to approve the final task force report and recommendations.
The task force, established under Section 218 of Act 49 of 2023, has spent the past year reviewing the laws and regulations concerning “stop-and-go” establishments, which often serve alcohol under a type R or type E license but fail to comply with operational standards as bona fide restaurants.
These establishments have been linked to irresponsible alcohol sales, dangerous activities, and nuisance behavior that negatively impacts neighborhoods in Philadelphia and across the state. Despite past enforcement efforts, many of these businesses continue to operate, contributing to ongoing community concerns. The approved recommendations from the task force include:
- Streamlining the citation process
- Strengthening the Licensing Compliance Program
- Informing the process for license renewal with additional citations and information
- Increasing penalties and fines for all violations
- Moving de novo review from Common Pleas Court
- Highlighting the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Complaint Process
- Increasing recruitment for Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) agents
- Requiring full payment of city taxes and adjudicated fines before license renewal
“Today’s vote is a major step forward in addressing the public safety and quality of life concerns that have long plagued our communities,” said Senator Anthony Williams. “By implementing these recommendations, we are giving our city and state the tools they need to hold businesses accountable and protect our neighborhoods from the negative impact of stop-and-go establishments.”
The final report will now be submitted to the appropriate legislative committees for review and implementation.
Watch the task force meeting, please visit https://www.senatoranthonyhwilliams.com/stop-and-go-legislative-task-force-presents-the-report-of-recommendations-for-section-218-of-act-49-of-2023-2