The City of Philadelphia has recognized the first 22 businesses to complete the new Liberty Bell Safe Certification program. This free initiative provides businesses with knowledge and best practices to enhance nighttime safety for both patrons and employees.
Participating businesses will gain expertise in prevention and intervention techniques to address key public safety issues, particularly those commonly encountered by nighttime establishments.
“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,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker in a statement. “We are deeply committed to investing in public safety and strengthening collaboration across the city to ensure these improvements continue.
“The Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program is providing businesses with essential safety practices, skills, and training,” Parker added. “We are working to make the city’s nighttime economy safer for both patrons and employees.”
Among the 22 businesses that became Liberty Bell Safe certified are: 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 and World Café Live.
“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.”
The selected businesses will attend six training sessions in partnership with the Department of Public Health, Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Licenses & Inspections and WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence in order to be designated as Liberty Bell Safe certified businesses.
The topics of those training sessions include harm reduction, sexual harassment prevention, conflict resolution, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, active shooter awareness, and human trafficking prevention and awareness, according to city officials.
“Since stepping into this role, I have been actively engaging with and providing one-on-one support to businesses that operate at night,” said Raheem Manning, Director of Nighttime Economy, Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce. “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.”
“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,” Manning added. “The continued growth of our nighttime economy is built on strong collaboration between government agencies, businesses, creatives, and community stakeholders for all.”
To learn more about eligibility criteria and updated cohort training schedule for additional businesses to apply, visit phila.gov.
