The Philadelphia City Council Committee on Licenses and Inspections advanced two related ordinances on Wednesday aimed at tightening enforcement against so-called nuisance businesses that sell drug paraphernalia and other unregulated substances.

Councilmember Catherine Gilmore Richardson, majority leader and sponsor of both measures, told the committee the bills are aimed at businesses “that apply for permits as grocery or convenience stores, but are actually selling drug paraphernalia next to expired and untouched grocery items.” She told the panel the legislation responds to businesses that change LLC names or ownership to avoid penalties and to clarify enforcement authority across city departments.

The measures under consideration were: bill 250708, described in testimony as an ordinance amending subcode A of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code (building construction/occupancy code) to revise penalties tied to stop-work and cease-operation orders; and bill 250709, described as an amendment to Section 9-4403 of the Philadelphia Code (enforcement) to ensure nuisance-business enforcement continues when business ownership or corporate form changes.

Why it matters: Councilmembers and neighborhood groups said clustered smoke shops and convenience stores selling paraphernalia have a measurable effect on commercial corridors, public safety and the daily lives of residents — particularly when locations operate near schools and youth-serving facilities. Several community witnesses described shops in close proximity to schools and childcare centers and urged stronger legal tools and enforcement resources.

Key testimony and details
- Deputy Commissioner Francis Healy, chief of staff and director of the Office of Legal Affairs for the Philadelphia Police Department, said the police department supports bill 250708 because it removes criminal-summary sanctions for violations of stop-work and cease-operation orders. “This is an unintended consequence that's now being corrected,” Healy said, explaining the difference between civil and criminal enforcement procedures and the complications that arise when city code provisions carry potential incarceration.

- Sarah Adamo, director of zoning and legislation for the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) Quality of Life, testified in support of bill 250709, saying the administration backs a mechanism to prevent corporations and LLCs from evading fines and sanctions by dissolving and re-forming. Adamo said the administration is coordinating with the police and law departments to resolve any legal issues and to refine language.

- Multiple neighborhood leaders and civic groups described repeated openings, closures and re-openings of shops that residents say sell paraphernalia and unregulated substances near schools and childcare centers. Shalimar Thomas of North Broad Renaissance described a cluster of smoke shops within a three-block radius of schools, giving specific addresses and hours for shops she said were operating as unlicensed smoke shops. Crystal Morris, president of the Winfield Residents Association, said the measures are “pocketbook legislation” meant to change business incentives.

- Witnesses and several councilmembers also urged stronger landlord accountability and higher fines, arguing repeat offenders and absentee landlords enable the pattern of re-opening under new names. Members of council indicated follow-up bills and budget requests may be needed to provide additional enforcement staff and legal resources.

Committee action
- The committee approved an amendment to bill 250708 and then voted to report bill 250708, as amended, with a favorable recommendation and to suspend rules to permit first reading at the next council session.

- The committee approved an amendment to bill 250709 and then voted to report bill 250709, as amended, with a favorable recommendation and to suspend rules to permit first reading at the next council session.

Quotes
- “These businesses also sell dangerous and unregulated substances like 708 and delta 8, and they attract crime and drug activity and operate without community approval,” Councilmember Catherine Gilmore Richardson said.
- “The police department supports this bill, which may appear minor on its face, but it's important because it removes the criminal summary sanctions for violations of both stop-work orders and cease operation orders,” Deputy Commissioner Francis Healy said.
- “Bad actors need to stop being able to hide behind LLCs,” Kate Allen, president of the Queen Village Neighbors Association, told the committee.

What’s next
Both bills (250708 and 250709) were approved by the committee with amendments and will be reported to the full Council with a favorable recommendation, with first readings to be scheduled at the next Council session. Council members said additional legislation (including bills addressing landlord accountability and higher fines) and budget requests to add enforcement staff are likely follow-ups.