City of Las Vegas

Department of Planning
Business Licensing Division
495 S. Main St
Las Vegas, NV 89101

City of Las Vegas Business License Instructions
General Entertainment Establishment


An establishment that is generally open to the public, or a segment of the public, as a place to view live or other entertainment performances in an amphitheater, auditorium, ballroom, concert hall, theatre or showroom setting; for hosting or accommodating a concert, convention, competition, sporting event or trade show; or any combination thereof. The term applies whether or not events or activities hosted or accommodated by the facility generally, or in particular cases, are open or closed to the general public and whether or not reservations or ticket sales are available in advance. The term also includes an establishment that operates in a manner similar to a nightclub, but that has an occupancy load limit of ninety-nine persons or less. The term does not include an establishment that is licensed (or qualifies) for licensing under LVMC Chapters 6.35, 6.39 or 6.80. The term shall not be deemed to include an establishment that provides entertainment if that entertainment is incidental to the primary activity of the establishment and consists merely of ambient or background music intended to create or enhance a mood or atmosphere, or karaoke singing and interaction, or a combination thereof.

1. Confirm the proposed business location is within the Las Vegas city limits and properly zoned for this activity, if applicable. For information on planning, zoning, and building requirements, call (702) 229-6301 or visit City Hall, 495 S. Main St., Las Vegas, Nevada 89101.

2. Provide proof of compliance with the Nevada Secretary of State located at 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North, North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030. For additional information call (702) 486-2880 or visit their website at www.nvsilverflume.gov. Provide proof of compliance with the Nevada Department of Taxation located at 700 E Warm Springs Road, 2nd Floor, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119. For additional information call (866) 962-3707 or visit their website at www.nvsilverflume.gov.

3. 30 days prior to commencing business, apply on-line at https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/dashboard.

4. Fees due at time application is submitted are $150 ($100 license fee + $50 processing fee). License fees are based on the gross revenue of the business and are due in advance semiannually. If your business is approved for operation from your home and you reside in the city limits of Las Vegas an additional one time fee of $50 is required for a Home Occupation Permit. Make check payable to CITY OF LAS VEGAS.

5. Business license applications are sent to the Planning Department and Fire Department for review and inspection, if applicable. Upon approval from these agencies and completion of all items listed above, the Business Licensing Division will issue your business license.