Authorizing Philadelphia City Council to hold hearings and meetings investigating "stop-and-go" establishments that violate restaurant liquor license requirements and further diminish the health, safety, and well-being of the surrounding community.

WHEREAS, “Stop-and-go’s” are commonly referred to as delis where patrons commonly purchase alcoholic beverages including beer, malt liquor, and shots of alcohol. These delis also offer other items that can be converted into narcotics; and

WHEREAS, Stop-and-go’s have failed to adhere to the law that requires restaurants to be able to seat 30 at least persons at one time. Restaurant liquor code prohibits sales to minors, prohibits restroom facilities not being accessible, being open on Sundays without a Sunday sales permit, and minimal to no food service; and

WHEREAS, Research has shown that stop-and-go’s tend to be concentrated in minority and lower-income neighborhoods, becoming a haven for criminal activity and adversely affecting the health, safety, and well-being of the surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2020, the Nuisance Establishment Task Force proposed that Philadelphia create new liquor license classifications for stop-and-go’s, reduce the amount of liquor licenses in Philadelphia, create a smartphone app that would allow the public to report violations, and require businesses with liquor licenses to provide a public restroom in addition to the restaurant liquor license qualifications already in place; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, neighborhoods remain overburdened with liquor establishments with many proving to be a magnet to deadly crime. Frequently, they are the site of illegal drug sales, violence, nuisance behaviors, and public drunkenness/inebriation; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia should ensure that any establishment selling alcoholic beverages comply with the guidelines put in place by the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and the Liquor Control Board; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Philadelphia City Council hold hearings and meetings to investigate “stop-and-go” establishments that violate restaurant liquor license requirements and further diminish the health, safety, and well-being of the surrounding community.

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