By James Williams, Editor

The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce has taken a major step toward improving nightlife safety with the launch of the Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program. This free initiative equips businesses with essential safety practices, helping them create secure environments for both patrons and employees.

Philadelphia’s nightlife plays a crucial role in the city’s economy, drawing locals and tourists alike to its restaurants, bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. However, ensuring safety in these spaces is vital. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker made public safety a priority from day one, and this program aligns with her vision of a Safer, Cleaner, Greener City with Access to Economic Opportunity for All.

“The Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program is providing businesses with essential safety practices, skills, and training. We are working to make the city’s nighttime economy safer for both patrons and employees,” said Mayor Parker.

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas also emphasized the significance of this initiative as the city prepares for major upcoming events.

“I am pleased to congratulate the inaugural cohort of 22 businesses that have completed the Liberty Bell Safe Certification program. Through invaluable partnerships across the city, our goal is to enhance safe, enjoyable, and inclusive nighttime experiences for all,” said Councilmember Thomas. “This certification program supports nighttime business operations and is a key initiative leading up to America’s 250th Anniversary, FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game in 2026. As we prepare to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world, these businesses will play a pivotal role in growing a thriving, welcoming, vibrant, and safer nighttime economy.”

With these major global events on the horizon, ensuring a thriving and secure nightlife is more important than e

The inaugural group of 22 businesses has successfully completed the program, committing to higher safety standards:

Bake’n Bacon
Chris’ Jazz Café
Cloud Factory Hookah Lounge
Concourse Dance Bar
Craft Hall
Delilah’s
Dolphin Tavern
Liberty Point
Lucy’s
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Morgan’s Pier
Midnight & The Wicked
Mr. Ivy
Philly Experiences
REC Philly
Rouge
Sin City
The Winston
Vinyl
VIP SEC PHL
UBAR
World Café Live


These businesses have demonstrated a commitment to making Philadelphia’s nightlife safer, contributing to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

To earn certification, businesses complete six training sessions designed to address common challenges in nightlife settings:

Harm Reduction Training

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

Conflict Resolution Training

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training

Active Shooter Awareness Training

Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Training


These sessions are offered in partnership with key city agencies, including the Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Public Health, Department of Licenses & Inspections, and WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.

Participating businesses not only receive certification but also benefit from a $500 marketing grant to promote their commitment to safety. According to Raheem Manning, Director of Nighttime Economy, the program is an important step toward making Philadelphia’s nightlife more secure while fostering economic growth.

Business owners like Artem Ustayev of Midnight & The Wicked and Justin Coleman of Bake’n Bacon have praised the program’s impact. Ustayev highlighted how city government initiatives have improved the business environment, while Coleman emphasized the importance of safety in maintaining a thriving nightlife.

The Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program represents a new era for Philadelphia’s nighttime economy. With more businesses expected to join, the city is setting a national example for how local governments can support public safety while promoting economic growth.

As Philadelphia prepares to welcome visitors from around the world in the coming years, this initiative ensures that nightlife remains not only lively but also safe, inclusive, and sustainable.

The Town Crier is a Rapid Response news blog that is written by James Williams and created in collaboration with ChatGPT for research assistance and content editing.