‘Nuisance’ business regulation moves through Philly Council committee

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A bill to crack down on “nuisance” businesses is moving forward in Philadelphia City Council. 

The bill would hold a business owner liable for the conduct — loitering, public drinking, illegal drug activity or excessive noise — of its patrons.  Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez said it’s no surprise that some businesses attract the wrong element when they put strong security barriers between them and their customers.”When you start with a bulletproof piece [of glass], you’ve changed your model around what you allow in your place of business,” she said Monday. “We want people to be safe, but it’s your setup that allows certain things to happen.”If anyone outside a business is caught three times violating the ordinance, the business could lose its commercial activity license.   Any appeals of the suspension would have to include a meeting with the local community organization.

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