From City of Reading
The City of Reading is providing an update on its continued efforts to address illegal and unpermitted “after-hours” clubs throughout the City following updates to the City Code earlier this year addressing disruptive conduct.
The updated ordinance, now codified under Chapter 198 of the City Code, strengthens the City’s enforcement process by allowing disruptive conduct incidents to be formally documented and creating additional accountability for property owners when repeated incidents occur. Under the ordinance, after two documented disruptive conduct incidents involving an occupant within a 12-month period, the property owner is required to begin eviction proceedings against the occupant or pursue an appeal. Failure to take the required action can result in the commencement of the process to suspend the property’s housing permit.
Since the ordinance was updated, the City has continued coordinated enforcement efforts involving the Reading Police Department, Fire Marshal’s Office, and Property and Codes Enforcement, along with outside partners.
Over a six-week period during May and June 2026, the Reading Police Department conducted a complex enforcement operation targeting illegal and unpermitted after-hours clubs throughout the City. The operation was conducted in coordination with the City of Reading Fire Marshal’s Office, City of Reading Property and Codes Enforcement, and with assistance from Pennsylvania Liquor Control Enforcement.
During the operation:
- 135 directed patrols were conducted at locations with known after-hours club activity.
- Four locations were shut down and placarded.
- The four locations were also issued public nuisance warning notices.
- Targeted enforcement continues at locations throughout the City where after-hours club activity has been identified.
The coordinated approach allows City departments to identify problem locations, document violations and disruptive conduct, take appropriate enforcement action, and pursue additional measures when violations or criminal activity warrant further action.
Fire Marshal’s Office update
The City of Reading Office of Fire Marshal worked collaboratively with the Reading Police Department to address violations identified through complaints and enforcement activity at the locations.
Four locations were posted as Unsafe Structures due to illegal changes in use. During the posting of those buildings, a total of 18 additional City of Reading Fire Prevention Code violations were documented.
Following the initial enforcement activity, all reinspections determined that the buildings had discontinued the illegal use. Information was also provided to property owners and occupants regarding the legal avenues available to pursue changes in use.
“The provisions contained in the City of Reading Fire Prevention Code are key to the safety of occupants in existing buildings,” said Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss. “Our office focuses on education first, followed by enforcement when necessary. Education is key to decreasing injuries during emergencies and helping property owners and occupants understand how to safely use buildings within the built environment.”
“Public safety doesn’t stop at a certain time of day, and it doesn’t stop because a property is being used in a way that wasn’t permitted,” said Mayor Eddie Morán. “We made changes to the City’s ordinance because we needed stronger tools to address ongoing problems, and now we’re seeing our departments put those tools to work. This is about making sure our neighborhoods are safe and that property owners understand they have a responsibility to what’s happening at their properties.”
The Reading Police Department will continue working with City departments and outside partners to identify and address illegal and unpermitted after-hours establishments.
“This was a coordinated effort involving multiple City departments and our partners at the state level,” said Police Chief Javier Ruiz. “Our officers conducted 135 directed patrols during this operation, and we took action at locations where violations were identified. We will continue to work with our City partners to address illegal after-hours activity and pursue enforcement when warranted.”
The City will continue coordinating with the Reading Police Department, Fire Marshal’s Office, Property and Codes Enforcement, and outside agencies to address illegal and unpermitted after-hours activity and other conduct that threatens the safety and quality of life of Reading residents.
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