FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(PHILADELPHIA) January 26, 2012 – Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced a bill allowing bars in Philadelphia to serve alcohol an additional hour, until 3:00 am with the additional liquor tax revenue generated in the final hour dedicated to the School District of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has the authority to designate such operating hours; therefore, the bill is contingent on enabling legislation passing the State General Assembly inHarrisburg. In cooperation with Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, State Representative Vanessa Lowery Brown plans to introduce a bill in the State House of Representatives which would grantPhiladelphiasuch authority. “Education is the single biggest indicator of success for children and youth and the greatest deterrent from crime. In this day and age of budget shortfalls and declining education funding, we must think of creative solutions, thinking outside the box and exhaust unconventional avenues of revenue,” said Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. In FY ’10, liquor taxes generated $42 million for the City of Philadelphia; based on these figures, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown’s bill is estimated to generate upwards of an additional $5 million annually for the School District of Philadelphia. Philadelphia would join other major east coast cities that serve alcohol past 2:00 am, including New York,NY Washington, D.C.,Atlanta,GA and Miami,FL.
For additional information please contact the Chief of Staff, David Forde at (215) 686-3438.
