According to the complaint, Philadelphia’s city ordinances and state laws governing liquor licenses are overly broad, allowing for arbitrary enforcement. One business faced penalties for a violation related to a sign pointing to additional seating, a requirement not clearly outlined in the law. Another business was penalized for the criminal actions of patrons who were later acquitted, yet the liquor license violation stood.
The plaintiffs also argue that businesses are deterred from reporting criminal activity due to fears of being labeled as a “nuisance” establishment, resulting in reduced safety. The lawsuit highlights how such selective enforcement undermines both the businesses’ ability to operate and the safety of the surrounding areas.
Legal representation for the plaintiffs, Kyle Garabedian of Kang Haggerty LLC, emphasized the historical context of discrimination against minority-owned businesses in Philadelphia. He criticized the city’s actions, stating that many of these business owners now face the threat of being driven out of business by discriminatory enforcement practices.
