Philadelphia Bars Push for Extended Hours as World Cup Arrives
A surge of international visitors is expected to descend upon Philadelphia this summer, with more than 500,000 tourists anticipated during the three-week stretch of the FIFA World Cup. Local bars and restaurants see this influx as a lucrative opportunity to capitalize on soccer fans' thirst for beverages.
"We want to make sure Philly remains competitive with other host cities," said Ben Fileccia, senior vice president of strategy and engagement at the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. "Given the drinking schedule doesn't necessarily stop at 2 a.m., we believe it's essential that liquor is being sold and provided by businesses that do this on a regular basis and know how to protect their guests."
Current regulations in Philadelphia mandate bars close at 2 a.m., but lawmakers are considering legislation to extend service hours. Other host cities, such as New York and Miami, allow alcohol sales until 4 a.m. or later.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board would need to administer permits for businesses seeking to adjust their hours under any temporary changes. However, it's unclear whether lawmakers will be able to pass a bill allowing bars to stay open past the state's curfew.
Karen Fegely, acting director of the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, stated that exploring extended business hours is one economic strategy being discussed as cities prepare for large-scale global events. If legislation advances, the city is ready to engage and partner with businesses to ensure any policy prioritizes public safety, neighborhood quality of life, and economic benefit.
This proposal comes at a time when Pennsylvania has not loosened its bar curfew in over a decade. The last instance was during the Democratic National Convention in 2016, where the state passed a narrow law allowing approved businesses to stay open until 4 a.m. under specific conditions.
While it's uncertain how much demand there will be for World Cup-related nightlife past 2 a.m. in Philadelphia, several matches are scheduled to begin as late as midnight on the East Coast, and the city is expecting large crowds at events like the FIFA FanFest.
Zakary Pyzik, leader of the restaurant and lodging association's public affairs efforts, expressed enthusiastic support for legislation allowing bars to stay open past 2 a.m. He noted that this would provide opportunities for restaurants and bars to capture extra revenue and drive tax revenue to the city and state.
However, some trade groups are expressing concerns about the feasibility of extended hours, citing issues with employee morale and declining late-night bar crowds. Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage & Tavern Association, stated that while the concept is worth considering, it's uncertain how successful it would be with businesses and customers.
Ultimately, lawmakers will face an uphill battle as they navigate partisan politics and address a range of regulatory issues related to bars statewide.
A surge of international visitors is expected to descend upon Philadelphia this summer, with more than 500,000 tourists anticipated during the three-week stretch of the FIFA World Cup. Local bars and restaurants see this influx as a lucrative opportunity to capitalize on soccer fans' thirst for beverages.
"We want to make sure Philly remains competitive with other host cities," said Ben Fileccia, senior vice president of strategy and engagement at the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. "Given the drinking schedule doesn't necessarily stop at 2 a.m., we believe it's essential that liquor is being sold and provided by businesses that do this on a regular basis and know how to protect their guests."
Current regulations in Philadelphia mandate bars close at 2 a.m., but lawmakers are considering legislation to extend service hours. Other host cities, such as New York and Miami, allow alcohol sales until 4 a.m. or later.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board would need to administer permits for businesses seeking to adjust their hours under any temporary changes. However, it's unclear whether lawmakers will be able to pass a bill allowing bars to stay open past the state's curfew.
Karen Fegely, acting director of the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, stated that exploring extended business hours is one economic strategy being discussed as cities prepare for large-scale global events. If legislation advances, the city is ready to engage and partner with businesses to ensure any policy prioritizes public safety, neighborhood quality of life, and economic benefit.
This proposal comes at a time when Pennsylvania has not loosened its bar curfew in over a decade. The last instance was during the Democratic National Convention in 2016, where the state passed a narrow law allowing approved businesses to stay open until 4 a.m. under specific conditions.
While it's uncertain how much demand there will be for World Cup-related nightlife past 2 a.m. in Philadelphia, several matches are scheduled to begin as late as midnight on the East Coast, and the city is expecting large crowds at events like the FIFA FanFest.
Zakary Pyzik, leader of the restaurant and lodging association's public affairs efforts, expressed enthusiastic support for legislation allowing bars to stay open past 2 a.m. He noted that this would provide opportunities for restaurants and bars to capture extra revenue and drive tax revenue to the city and state.
However, some trade groups are expressing concerns about the feasibility of extended hours, citing issues with employee morale and declining late-night bar crowds. Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage & Tavern Association, stated that while the concept is worth considering, it's uncertain how successful it would be with businesses and customers.
Ultimately, lawmakers will face an uphill battle as they navigate partisan politics and address a range of regulatory issues related to bars statewide.
I'm low-key excited about it 
. Think about it, the city's gonna be mobbed with tourists looking for a good time. Bars that can keep up are gonna rake it in 
. It's like, if you're gonna bring people to your city, give 'em what they want - a party 
. Of course, there's always concerns about safety and employee morale, but let's be real, bars have been staying open late for years without major issues 
. I mean, New York and Miami can do it, why not Philly? It's all about the benjamins 
if they don't have any control over it. plus, some bars are already saying they're not gonna take it well which makes me wonder how feasible this actually is 
... it's also about the big bucks 
. It's not just about letting bars stay open late, it's about making sure everyone is safe and happy. I'm curious to see how this all plays out 
.
i mean who doesn't love a good soccer match?! and it's about time philly gets some extra hours at its bars lol, i'm talking 4 am or later that would be AMAZING!!! 
can u imagine the energy at pat's king of steaks with all those brazil fans celebrating after their games? 
it's not just about making money tho, it's about bringing in tourism and putting philly on the map even more. i'm totally pro extended hours for bars! 
. A bunch of greedy bar owners trying to make a quick buck off soccer fans and politicians who don't know any better 
.
I'm all for it! Extended hours at bars would be a game-changer for Philly nightlife 
. Think about it, with over 500k tourists coming in for the World Cup, we want to make sure our city stays on top of the party scene 
. They just wanna make some extra cash and bring in more revenue 
It's time to think outside the box (or curfew, lol) and see what works! 
Still, if its about capturing extra revenue and driving tax revenue, then I'm all for it 
I'm not convinced it'd be worth loosening those regulations 
I think Philly should let its bars stay open late 
! More beer means more fun for tourists 
. The city will make bank 
. It's about economic growth 
, not just partying all night 
. Let the good times roll 
we didn't need no 2 a.m. curfew! Bars were open till the wee hours, and people came out to party. Now it seems like cities are finally catching on that tourists want to keep the good times rolling. I mean, who doesn't love watching a World Cup match with a pint in hand? 
!
. However, I get what the concerns are about employee morale and stuff... gotta make sure everyone's happy 
. Can't wait to see how it all plays out! 
But it's not all good news 
... employee morale is a major concern 
... lawmakers need to find a balance between revenue & public safety 
. Let's look at some numbers: 
- 45% of potential World Cup-goers plan to visit Philadelphia for more than 3 days 
- 67% say they'd be willing to pay extra for premium beer & food during the event 
. I think we can make this work... what do you guys think? 
its about economic benefit and making philly competitive with other host cities 
