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1. What is an entertainment permit?

An entertainment permit allows a business within the City of La Verne to provide or permit live entertainment in addition to the primary business, whether or not for compensation.

2. Why is an entertainment permit required? Do I need an entertainment permit?

Any business in the City of La Verne which provides entertainment to its patrons on a regular basis is required to obtain an entertainment permit.

Entertainment includes, but is not limited to, any single event, series of events or ongoing activity to which persons are invited to watch, listen or participate (e.g. trivia, karaoke, games, live music, DJ, dance.).

3. Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Exclusions for needing an entertainment permit include the following:

• Anything emanating from a radio, jukebox, television receiver, or music-recording machine operated by the owner of the establishment, provided the equipment is not used by or in conjunction with an announcer or disc jockey announcing song titles or artist names, or interjecting with other dialogue
• Any café musician as defined in California Government Code Section 37101.5
• Any entertainment provided in, an with the consent of any person in control of, any park, stadium, arena, or auditorium, or upon any educational or governmental property
• Any entertainment operating under an in compliance with a conditional use permit issued pursuant to Chapter 18.108 of the La Verne Municipal Code and where entertainment was approved as part of the conditional use permit
• Any entertainment consisting solely of auditions
• Any entertainment provided in a residential zone for guests at a private party where admission is not open to the public
• Any modeling of clothes provided in conjunction with a retail clothing business operating in compliance with all City codes and laws and where the clothes modeled are sold by the business

To find out if your entertainment or business qualifies for any of the exclusions listed above, contact the Community Development Department at 909-596-8706.

4. Where does the Entertainment Permit apply? Are there areas where it is not permitted/ required?

The entertainment permit applies to commercial and industrial properties and is not permitted on properties zoned for residential. Entertainment in the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan is regulated by an alternative process and does not require an entertainment permit.

For more information regarding zoning, contact the Community Development Department at 909-596-8706.

5. Does the Entertainment Permit expire? Can it be renewed? How long is an Entertainment Permit good for?

The Entertainment Permit expires on January 31st of every year and can be renewed annually. First-time applicants are not required to renew if approval is granted on or after July 1st, so long as the applicant is in good standing. Application for renewal is due to a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to the expiration date.

6. How much does it cost?

First-time applications require a $500 initial deposit. Annual renewal requires a $120 fee. The City accepts cash or check payments (checks made payable to the City of La Verne).