Marsha’s owner says South Street bar unfairly targeted after anonymous, unfounded tips prompt police response

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The owner of a relatively new South Street bar says her business has been unfairly targeted after anonymous complaints prompted a large police response that ultimately resulted in no violations.

Philadelphia police officers, along with the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections and Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement, conducted an inspection at Marsha’s on Feb. 20 following tips alleging the bar was operating without proper licenses, serving underage patrons and selling alcohol after hours. Authorities later confirmed no violations were found.

Video from that night shows multiple officers entering the packed bar just after 11:30 p.m. Officers can be seen moving throughout the business, some using flashlights and heading upstairs.

“It’s traumatizing to be just sitting in a space and have 18-20 police officers just come in,” said owner Chivonn Anderson.

Anderson said investigators remained inside the bar for about 40 minutes. Philadelphia police confirmed they were on scene with other agencies and that no citations were issued, but did not explain why such a large number of officers responded.

The Feb. 20 inspection marked the second anonymous tip involving the bar within a month, Anderson said.

“We were kind of prepared for this because unfortunately haters gonna hate,” she said.

Anderson said she does not know who submitted the complaints or why, but the incident drew public attention this week after she shared avideo in response to the incident on social media. Anderson said she felt that was necessary, “Because we are operating above board and I want people to know that I take these things extremely seriously.”

Marsha’s, a queer women’s sports bar, has been open for about six months. The establishment was featured by FYI Philly ahead of its grand opening.

“It has been an amazing whirlwind since day 1,” Anderson said.

Despite what she believes are attempts to disrupt her business, Anderson said she remains focused on moving forward.

“I am taking this with putting all of my attention and focus into making sure this does not happen again and that it does not happen to other establishments,” she said.

Action News also reached out to the Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement unit, inquiring about the compliance check, but has not yet received a response.