Only 17 Philly bars have been approved to stay open until 4 a.m. Many are still waiting.

Key Points:

• Philadelphia bars can apply to stay open until 4 a.m. from June 11 to July 19 due to a new bill signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, covering the World Cup and other summer events, but a 30-day mandatory waiting period delays approvals.
• As of June 7, only 17 out of 65 Philadelphia establishments that applied for extended hours have been approved by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), with many applications still under review or canceled due to ineligibility.
• The permit process requires businesses to complete a safety certification, pay fees, and pass inspections, but the 30-day hold means late applicants may only gain approval after July 4, limiting their ability to benefit fully from extended hours during the World Cup.
• Some bar owners express frustration over the delay and uncertainty, which hampers event planning and marketing, while others appreciate the effort by city and state officials to implement the new program despite its challenges.
• Popular venues like Concourse Dance Bar and Lucy’s have been approved early, while others like Cellar Dog and Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse remain in limbo, highlighting mixed experiences with the permit process.