Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing for Business Entertainment Permits and Special Event Permits are available on our Entertainment Permit page. 

If your business includes music, dancing or other entertainment as part of your operation, and your business does not fit into the Entertainment Ordinance’s exemptions, you are required to have a Business Entertainment Permit. Entertainment includes live and amplified music, DJs, public dances, open mic nights, and other entertainment activities meant to attract the public.

Business Entertainment Permits are not required for businesses which have only ambient music, businesses with an occupancy limit of less than 75 persons, businesses which only host private events such as wedding receptions or worship services, performances by students at schools, movie theaters which are not providing live entertainment, dance or theatrical lessons, book or poetry readings, billiard and pool parlors which don’t include other entertainment, amusement arcades and miniature golf courses which do not include other entertainment, athletic clubs or fitness centers, sporting events, or adult entertainment establishments.

Entertainment staff ask for a minimum of 45 days to process your Business Entertainment Permit application. This process can be lengthy, with several City Departments required to view the application and provide comments. All new applications must also go before the Entertainment Commission, which meets twice monthly, in order to receive final approval.

Business Entertainment Permits are not transferable. If a business changes ownership, or if a business changes locations, a new Business Entertainment Permit application must be submitted, and the old Business Entertainment Permit is rendered invalid.