Philadelphia Bars Can Apply for 4 AM Last Call During World Cup

New 'Philadelphia 250' permit allows select bars to stay open later during major summer events.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:36am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a neon bar sign repeated in a grid pattern, using bright, unnatural colors and heavy black outlines to capture the energy and excitement of Philadelphia's new late-night bar permit program.Philadelphia's new late-night bar permit program aims to energize the city's nightlife during a busy summer of major events.Philadelphia Today

The city of Philadelphia has begun accepting applications for a new 'Philadelphia 250' permit that will allow some bars to remain open until 4 a.m. from June 11 to July 20, coinciding with the World Cup games, the MLB All-Star Game, and America's 250th celebrations. Businesses must meet certain requirements and complete a certification program to qualify for the permit, which will be issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Why it matters

This new late-night permit is an opportunity for Philadelphia bars to capitalize on the influx of visitors and increased nightlife activity during the busy summer event schedule. However, the city is taking a measured approach, requiring rigorous vetting to ensure only qualified businesses receive the permit and that extended hours do not lead to public safety issues.

The details

Businesses must first apply for a city business license on the eCLIPSE website, then have their management and owner staff complete an in-person 'Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program' before submitting the application and certificate to the state liquor board. The liquor board will issue permits to qualifying businesses within 30 days. Requirements include meeting a list of standards related to security, staffing, and responsible alcohol service.

  • The new 'Philadelphia 250' permit will be valid from June 11 to July 20, 2026.
  • Businesses have until April 14, 2026 to apply for the permit.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The Governor of Pennsylvania who recently signed the bill into law allowing the extended bar hours in Philadelphia.

Raheem Manning

The senior director of nighttime economy for the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, who is overseeing the permit program.

Artem Ustayev

One of the owners of Midnight & The Wicked bar, who says the permit process is extensive but a 'phenomenal opportunity'.

Joshua Tourdot

The co-CEO of Midnight & The Wicked bar, who says the two extra hours of business would be incredibly beneficial.

Joshua Zwirzina

The co-owner of The Ave nightclub, who sees the permit as a chance for businesses to 'make some extra money'.

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What they’re saying

“This tool, this permit that businesses are able to apply for, gives them the opportunity to capture that market that's going to be here.”

— Raheem Manning, Senior Director of Nighttime Economy, Philadelphia Department of Commerce

“It's not easy, everyone can't just get this license... It's very, very particular who they are going to allow.”

— Artem Ustayev, Co-Owner, Midnight & The Wicked

“I think it's extremely important that they do rigorous vetting and make sure that only the top selection gets it so the city looks good on the world stage because that's where we're going to be.”

— Joshua Tourdot, Co-CEO, Midnight & The Wicked

“We don't expect a 4 a.m. free-for-all. We have a lot of guardrails in place to make sure that businesses who do apply, and who do permit, that it makes sense not only for that business but for the surrounding areas.”

— Raheem Manning, Senior Director of Nighttime Economy, Philadelphia Department of Commerce

“The liquor laws in Philly haven't changed in a really long time, and this is an opportunity, I think, for businesses to make some extra money.”

— Joshua Zwirzina, Co-Owner, The Ave

What’s next

Businesses interested in applying for the 'Philadelphia 250' permit have until April 14, 2026 to submit their applications to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

The takeaway

This new late-night permit program aims to strike a balance, allowing select Philadelphia bars to capitalize on increased summer tourism and events while also maintaining public safety standards through a rigorous vetting process. The city is taking a measured approach to ensure the extended hours benefit both businesses and the surrounding community.