PHILADELPHIA — Today, the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce announced the first cohort of 22 businesses to complete the Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program. This free initiative equips businesses with best practices to enhance the nighttime safety of both patrons and employees. Through public safety training, participants learn prevention and intervention techniques to navigate challenges that nighttime businesses commonly face. As part of the program, businesses receive certificates and marketing grants, recognizing their commitment to maintaining safety standards and contributing to the vibrancy of our city.
“Since declaring a public safety emergency on my first day in office, we have made significant strides in making Philadelphia safer and violent crime is decreasing across the board. We are deeply committed to investing in public safety and strengthening collaboration across the city to ensure these improvements continue,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “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. Our vision for Philadelphia is clear: a Safer, Cleaner, Greener City with Access to Economic Opportunity for All. As One Philly, a United City we are working to make this vision a reality every day.”
“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 Isaiah 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.”
“We remain committed to enhancing our 24-hour city with a thriving nighttime economy that is a dynamic driver of tourism, hospitality, world-class arts, and cultural assets. The 22 businesses that completed our Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program thus far will play a key role in advancing this goal,” said Dawn Summerville, Deputy Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia. “These businesses are now equipped with tools and strategies to help address the unique challenges they face during nighttime hours. This partnership with the Department of Public Health, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Department of Licenses & Inspections, and WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence has been invaluable. Together, we are equipping businesses with the resources they need, while continuing to uphold safety standards that contribute to the economic growth and well-being of all Philadelphians.”
Liberty Bell Safe certified businesses are as follows:
- 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
“Since stepping into this role, I have been actively engaging with and providing one-on-one support to businesses that operate at night. In partnership with our Nighttime Advisory Council, we are proud to have overseen the successful launch of the Liberty Bell Safe Certification program, which aligns with Mayor Parker’s vision of a safer Philadelphia, where economic opportunities are accessible to all,” said Raheem Manning, Director, Nighttime Economy, Department of Commerce. “Each business that completes the program receives a $500 marketing grant to promote their certification demonstrating their readiness with prevention and intervention skills to help address the unique challenges faced by their nighttime establishments. The continued growth of our nighttime economy is built on strong collaboration between government agencies, businesses, creatives, and community stakeholders for all.”
“I’ve been doing business within the City of Philadelphia for 20 years now and it’s not always been an easy or pleasant experience. I have watched our City government update its tax and licensing systems which have been game changing in how I do business. I have had an even better experience when I met Raheem Manning who became the voice for the nightlife business community.” said Artem Ustayev, Owner, Midnight & The Wicked. “Raheem and his team have been instrumental in my success and I’m excited to see the Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program come to life. I know this will be vital to keeping both consumers and businesses safe in Philadelphia. I encourage all local businesses to apply and get certified as soon as possible! Thank you to the entire nighttime staff for building up our city nightlife experience.”
“We are proud to participate in the Liberty Bell Safe Certification program as part of our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all,” said Justin Coleman, Owner, Bake’n Bacon. “As a business operating in Philadelphia’s vibrant nighttime economy, we recognize the importance of ensuring the well-being of our patrons and staff. Through the Liberty Bell Safe Certification program, we aim to strengthen our safety practices, enhance our ability to serve our community responsibly, and contribute to a more secure and inclusive city for everyone.”
Selected businesses attend the following six training sessions to be designated as a Liberty Bell Safe certified business in Philadelphia:
- 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
- Department of Public Health: Harm Reduction Training
The training sessions are offered in partnership with the Department of Public Health, Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Licenses & Inspections and WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.
Click here for eligibility criteria and updated cohort training schedule for additional businesses to apply.
Click here for photos from the recognition ceremony.