Entertainment/Dancing Venues and After-Hours Clubs

License Types and Application Options

Entertainment/Dancing Establishments – Liquor Served

Establishments that serve liquor and provide entertainment require a license for the protection of the public welfare, health, and safety of those that attend and patronize these establishments by:

• Requiring licenses for entertainment or dancing establishments where liquor is served;
• Requiring reports to the Fire Marshal;
• Requiring reports to the Police Chief; and
• Requiring security personnel to be licensed when an entertainment or dancing establishment uses security personnel to provide crowd control; protect persons or property from harm or unlawful activity; deter, observe, or detect unlawful or unauthorized activity; or supervise entry and exit at the establishment

Entertainment Establishments Will Need the Following:

1. City of Tacoma Business License – Apply on File Local
2. Entertainment & Dancing License: The license fee is based on the type of entertainment provided. Apply here.
3. Written Safety Plan, required as part of the application. The plan must outline procedures for managing safety-related situations at the establishment.

Entertainment/Dancing Establishments – No Liquor Served & Teenage Dance

Establishments that provide dancing or entertainment with no liquor serviced  requires a license for the protection of the public welfare, health and safety of those that attend and patronize these establishments by:

• Requiring licenses for entertainment and dancing establishments where liquor is not served.
• Establishing minimum standards for adequate lighting and sanitary conditions of the premises.
• Requiring reports to the Chief of Police and Fire Marshall.
• Requiring permits for teen dances.
• Establishing teen dance regulations; and
• Requiring security personnel to be licensed when an entertainment or dancing establishment uses security personnel to provide crowd control; protect persons or property from harm or unlawful activity; deter, observe, or detect unlawful or unauthorized activity; or supervise entry and exit at the establishment.

Entertainment Establishments Will Need the Following:

1. City of Tacoma Business License – Apply on File Local
2. Entertainment & Dancing License with Written Safety Plan. License fees vary based on the type of entertainment offered. Apply here

Private Clubs

Some types of entertainment and events are exempt from the Entertainment license. This exemption does not relieve any establishment from complying with all other applicable laws.

Private Clubs Require the Following: 

1. City of Tacoma Business License – Apply on File Local
2. Submit Private Clubs – Supplemental

“Bona fide private club” means a person operating as a non-profit organization solely for objects of social or business purposes with an established membership, and when admission is not open to the public, and in which membership is by application and regular dues are charged, and the advantages of which club belong to members, and the operation of which is not primarily for monetary gain. Learn more at Private Clubs Rule 1016.

After-Hours Clubs

Per Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 6B.240, It is unlawful for any person to operate an after-hours club in the City without first obtaining a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

“After-hours club” means an establishment in which patrons, whether customers, guests, or club members, congregate for the purpose of socializing between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.  After-hours club does not include businesses whose principal purpose is operating as a restaurant.

“Establishment” means any indoor or outdoor room, place, space, or private club in the City open for the serving of the public or members. Establishment includes parking spaces, or parking lots provided for or used by the after-hours club customers and under the control of the licensee.

After Hours Clubs Require the Following:

1. City of Tacoma Business License – Apply on File Local
2. After Hours Club License with Written Safety Plan.  Apply Here 
3. Establishments must have at least two security personnel, active video surveillance, and procedures in place to prevent weapons from entering the premises. See Rule 1017 for detailed requirements.

Temporary Entertainment & Dancing License

No temporary event may open to the public without filing a written safety plan in accordance with this section and receiving notification that the Entertainment/Dancing license has been approved by the City.

Temporary Events at Locations Without an Active Entertainment License

1. Must apply for Temporary Entertainment License at least 15 business days prior to the start of the event

2. File a written safety plan, which is included in the application for the license to the Director, who shall distribute it to the Tacoma Police Department. No temporary event may open to the public without filing a written safety plan in accordance with this section and receiving notification that the Entertainment/Dancing license has been approved by the City.

Temporary Events in a Location that Holds A Current Entertainment License.

Temporary events that will occur at an establishment that is licensed under 6B.70 may be required, at least 15 business days prior to the start of the event, to submit a written safety plan with application for the temporary event and receive approval from the City prior to the event opening to the public.

A safety plan will be required if requested by the Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma Fire Department, or other City officials and determined to be necessary for the health and safety of the public and the attendees of the event.

To determine if your events need a written safety plan, contact Tax & License at licenseinfo@tacoma.gov or call (253) 591-5303.

Have Security Personnel?

Security personnel working at entertainment establishments or after-hours clubs within the Tacoma city limits must undergo a background check, complete a security training course, and obtain a license. For more information, please visit our Security Personnel web page.