Bars in Philadelphia could stay open until 4 a.m. during the World Cup and America’s 250th

Many Philadelphia bars will be able to stay open until 4 a.m. this summer during the FIFA World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration under state legislation that could be approved as soon as Wednesday afternoon.

The bill, which is sponsored by State Sen. Joe Picozzi (R., Phila.) and supported by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration, has been approved by the Senate and is slated for a final vote in the House.

Supporters of the legislation say it will help the city welcome the thousands of visitors expected to travel to Philadelphia this summer.

“If we’re going to be a welcoming city and we’re going to have people from all over the world and different time zones … we need to accommodate their schedule and let them know that when they come here and they’re tourists, we’re available,” said Philadelphia City Councilmember Mike Driscoll, who was an owner of the former Finnegan’s Wake pub in Northern Liberties.

But not all are happy about the possibility of later last calls. State Rep. Mary Isaacson (D., Phila.) represents a district that includes some of the busiest nightlife areas in the city, such as South Street, Old City, and Fishtown. She voted against the proposal in committee due to concerns about impacts on residential areas.

“This is for 40 days straight, and that is problematic because a lot of the bars in my district who may be eligible are located in direct proximity to residential neighborhoods,” Isaacson said in an interview Wednesday, adding that the effort to push the proposal through Harrisburg has been “done very quietly.”

Neither Picozzi, nor the Parker administration immediately responded to requests for comment.

Under the bill, “Philadelphia 250″ permits would be valid from June 11 to July 20, which will encompass all the matches of the World Cup, events surrounding America’s 250th birthday, the MLB All-Star Game being played at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, and the Wawa Welcome America festival on July 4.

Permits will be available to restaurants, hotels, breweries, distilleries, and limited winery licensees, among others, that are located within Philadelphia. Application fees will run $500 under the proposal, and applicants will have to complete specialized nighttime safety training and not have any pending licensing, inspection, or fiscal objections associated with their business, according to the bill.

“We are grateful to the many stakeholders who came together to get it this far, this fast. This is a practical, time-limited accommodation that helps Philadelphia put its best foot forward for a global audience, deliver a great guest experience, and turn first-time visitors into repeat visitors,” Ben Fileccia, senior vice president of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, said.

The PRLA began drumming up support for this license over the last few months, and with backing from State Sen. Joe Picozzi and Vincent Hughes, the bill is already headed over to the Pennsylvania House before it can reach Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk, Fileccia said.

The last time Philly got the OK for later bar hours was during the 2016 Democratic National Convention that took place at the then Wells Fargo Center.

Many sports bar owners are champing at the bit to get a Philadelphia 250 permit as international soccer brings a late-night atmosphere to cities that is unrivaled, said Lion Sports Bar owner Mark Prinzinger.

“One of the most memorable soccer moments I’ve ever had was being in Beijing at 1 a.m. watching an English Premier League game at a bar just packed full of soccer fans from around the world,” Prinzinger said. “It’s just such a magical experience, and as somebody who owns a soccer bar, I’m really hoping that we can kind of recreate that here in Philadelphia.”

Neighborhoods like Fairmount, with a concentration of soccer bars like The Black Taxi and Hilltown Tavern, will welcome incoming fans but hope the city can meet the moment in policing and sanitation, said Dustin Dove, president of the Fairmount Civic Association.

“It’d be nice bringing people from around the world to watch these games at the Black Taxi, Hilltown Tavern, and Bishop’s Corner,” Dove said of neighborhood soccer bars. “They’ll get to enjoy Philly by getting a drink, spending some money, and supporting the local economy. But this will take partnership with the city to make sure local businesses are being good neighbors, which they usually are, and that people are kept safe.”

This is a developing story that will be updated.