by KYW's Karin Phillips
A city council proposal to license Philadelphia tour guides has been scheduled to get a committee hearing.
A bill proposed by councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown would require city tour guides to pass an annual history exam to gain a certificate and to wear that certificate while working so visitors will know they have a knowledgeable guide.
However, Jonathan Bari, founder of Constitutional Walking Tours, says a license won't make any tour guide more knowledgeable, but he says it will:
"Increase consumer prices for tours; we think it's going to deter qualified guides; it's going to wreak havoc on business operations for small businesses."
Bari says the proposal is well-meaning but flawed, and he plans on presenting 10 points against it to the council's parks, recreation and cultural affairs committee.
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