City Launches the Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program Application for Businesses Seeking Philadelphia 250 Permit

PHILADELPHIA - The Department of Commerce has launched the Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program application for businesses seeking to obtain a Philadelphia 250 permit from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). The application deadline is April 14, 2026.

Pennsylvania legislators have passed enabling legislation to amend the state liquor code by establishing a temporary "Philadelphia 250 Permit," that allows eligible businesses to extend their standard operating hours by up to two hours per day, in support of major events, including the FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations, between June 11 and July 20, 2026. Businesses seeking to obtain a Philadelphia 250 permit from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) must complete the Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program, ensuring expanded hours are paired with strong safety standards.

"This an important step forward for our City and Commonwealth. We thank Senators Joe Picozzi, Kim L. Ward, Vincent Hughes, Representative Jordan Harris and all our state partners, for their leadership in getting this done," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "This bill gives Philadelphia the flexibility to extend operating hours during a historic global moment. More hours mean more shifts for workers, more revenue for small businesses, and more economic activity in our neighborhoods. My administration is committed to implementing this measure responsibly, in close partnership with state and local stakeholders, to ensure opportunity, public safety, and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike."

"At the Department of Commerce, we are focused on making sure economic opportunity and safety go hand in hand," said Acting Director, Karen Fegely, City of Philadelphia. "Our Liberty Bell Safe Certification program helps ensure local businesses are prepared, trained, and accountable in supporting a nighttime economy that is vibrant, safe, and welcoming. The Philadelphia 250 permit ensures Philadelphia is competitive with other destinations this summer by meeting the expectations of a global audience and demonstrating our ability to host mega-events at world-class standards."

Eligibility

Eligible businesses must:

• Be located in Philadelphia.
• Be registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia.
• Be regularly open to the public after 5 p.m.
• Hold a valid Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board license (restaurant, hotel, retail dispenser, brewery, distillery, limited distillery or limited winery license)
• Operate primarily as an on-premises establishment
• Have a valid PA Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) Certification
• Maintain general liability and liquor insurance
• Be in good standing with all City regulatory agencies, including Licenses & Inspections, Department of Public Health, and the Philadelphia Police Department.
• Be up to date on City taxes or have an approved tax payment agreement.
• Be up to date on all state and federal taxes, have an approved payment plan, or be in the process of setting up a payment plan.

Process

The application process for businesses is as follows:

• Log in to your eCLIPSE account
• Select "Apply for a Business License"
• Select Liberty Bell Training license type
• Complete the application
• Upload all required documents to eCLIPSE
• Pay the $250 application fee

Eligible businesses will be required to attend a one-day training session to become a Liberty Bell Safe (LBS) Certified business in Philadelphia. At least 60 percent of management and owner staff must attend in-person. Class dates will be provided. Businesses with existing LBS Certification seeking to obtain a Philadelphia 250 permit must reapply and complete the additional training modules.

Upon completion of the training, businesses receive a certificate that must be submitted with an application to the PLCB for a Philadelphia 250 Permit.

Training sessions

The sessions cover the following topics by the Department of Public Health, Department of Licenses & Inspections, Philadelphia Police Department and WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence:

• Harm reduction
• Sexual harassment
• Conflict resolution
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Active shooter awareness
• Human trafficking
• Late-night staffing and supervision
• Crowd management during closing hours
• Exit and dispersal planning
• Exterior safety monitoring

General enrollment for this program is temporarily paused and will resume after the Philadelphia 250 permit window ends, ensuring eligible applicants can secure their permits within the required timeframe.

To learn more, visit Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program.