Adult Entertainment
Approval is required by the City prior to any business engaging in the activity of adult entertainment or picture machine operation in a restaurant, bar, tavern or any other public place, or to rent or lease such machines in the City.
Adult entertainment uses are only permitted in specific areas of the city. Before choosing a location for your business, please review Tacoma Municipal Code 13.06.525.B for more details.
If you plan to work as an Adult Entertainment Manager or Adult Entertainer, you will need additional licenses and approval from the City.
Adult entertainment businesses or picture machine operations require review by Planning and Development Services (PDS), Fire, Police, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department before the activity can be conducted, to ensure the protection of public welfare, health, and safety.
Please contact Tax & License at (253) 591-5252 to discuss your business activities and the applications required before opening your business.
After submitting a completed application, please allow at least 10–15 business days to receive notice of your license approval or denial.
Adult Entertainment is defined as:
Any exhibition, performance, or dance of any type conducted in a premises where such exhibition, performance, or dance involves a person who is unclothed or in such costume, attire, or clothing as to expose any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola or any portion of the pubic region, anus, buttocks, vulva, or genitals, or wearing any device or covering exposed to view which simulates the appearance of any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola or any portion of the pubic region, anus, buttocks, vulva, or genitals, or human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
Any exhibition, performance, or dance of any type conducted in a premises where such exhibition, performance, or dance is distinguished or characterized by a predominant emphasis on the depiction, description, simulation, or relation to the following specified sexual activities:
a. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
b. Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy.
c. Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast.
Non-Licensed Adult Entertainment Business
Employees working at a business not licensed to engage in “adult entertainment” must wear adequately fitting attire that fully covers all minimum body areas at all times, including while sitting, standing, bending, reaching, or performing other work duties.
The owner is responsible for ensuring that all employees comply with the acceptable attire requirements.
For more information on adult entertainment license requirements, refer to Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 6B.30.