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Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program

Helping businesses create safer nighttime experiences for patrons and employees through training, certification, and resources.

About

State legislation SB 1218: Restaurant, hotel, retail dispenser, brewery, distillery, limited distillery or limited winery licensee that is located in a city of the first class may apply to the board for a Philadelphia 250 permit which will allow a permit holder under this section shall be granted a two-hour extension per day on the premises to the operating privileges provided by the underlying license during the period of 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.  

The Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program offers free specialized trainings to help businesses create safer nighttime experiences for patrons and employees.

Businesses learn how to: 

  • Prevent safety issues before they occur;
  • Respond effectively to incidents; and 
  • Navigate common nighttime operational challenges 

Businesses that successfully complete the trainings will earn Liberty Bell Safe Certification and get access to exclusive benefits.

The Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program helps advance a safer, more inclusive and creative nighttime economy in Philadelphia. This program is administered by the Department of Commerce.

Connect

Email emeka.anusionwu@phila.gov

Eligibility

These trainings support local businesses that operate at night. Eligible businesses must: 

  • 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 

Businesses must also be: 

  • Located in Philadelphia. 
  • Registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia. 
  • Be in good standing with all City regulatory agencies, including Licenses & Inspections, Department of Public Health, and the Philadelphia Police Department. 
  • Up to date on City taxes or have an approved tax payment agreement.
  • 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 updated application for the Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program will be available soon. Further updates will be posted as they become available.

If your business is eligible to join the Liberty Bell Safe Certification program, you will be required to attend a one-day training session to become a Liberty Bell Safe (LBS) Certified business in Philadelphia. At least 60% of management and owner staff must attend.

Businesses with existing LBS Certification seeking to obtain a Philadelphia 250 permit must reapply and complete the additional training modules focused on late-night risk management.

The sessions cover the following topics:

Standard certification training:

  • Harm reduction
  • Sexual harassment
  • Conflict resolution
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Active shooter awareness
  • Human trafficking

Enhanced certification for extended hours of operations

  • Late-night staffing and supervision
  • Crowd management during closing hours
  • Exit and dispersal planning
  • Exterior safety monitoring

Recertify your business

The Liberty Bell Safe Certification is valid for three years.

Certified businesses need to complete refresher courses to be recertified. Refresher courses cover material from the original trainings, updated with new relevant content as needed.

Benefits

Liberty Bell Safe Certified businesses receive these benefits:

  • Recognition as a Liberty Bell Safe Certified business with the City of Philadelphia. This includes a decal to showcase your certification at your business
  • Access to safety tools including drink spiking test kits
  • Special marketing promotions

Partners

Training sessions are offered in partnership with:


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