Key Takeaways
- The city of Sacramento has introduced a new entertainment permit system, making it easier and more affordable for businesses to host live events.
- The new system has three tiers of permits: general, temporary, and limited, with varying fees and requirements.
- The limited permit is designed for smaller businesses and allows for live entertainment, including music and comedy, with certain restrictions.
- Despite the new system, only three businesses have applied for the limited permit, citing lack of public awareness and high fees.
- Business owners who have applied for the limited permit have reported a positive experience with the city’s Entertainment Services Division.
Introduction to the New Entertainment Permit System
The city of Sacramento has recently introduced a new entertainment permit system, aimed at making it easier and more affordable for businesses to host live events. For business owners like Katie Cooper, co-owner of Mattie Groves Brewery, live entertainment is essential for attracting customers. However, the previous permit system was expensive and onerous, deterring many businesses from applying. The new system has three tiers of permits: general, temporary, and limited, with varying fees and requirements. The limited permit is designed for smaller businesses and allows for live entertainment, including music and comedy, with certain restrictions.
The Previous Permit System
The previous entertainment permit system, introduced in 2003, was criticized for being too restrictive and expensive. The permit cost $1,722 to obtain and $1,331 to renew, with additional fees and a rigorous application process. This deterred many businesses from applying, and only around 70 permits were issued at any given time. The city’s assistant director of Convention and Cultural Services, Dustin Hollingsworth, acknowledged that the previous system was "too restrictive" and that the new system is designed to be more accessible and flexible.
The New Permit System
The new permit system, introduced in March, has three tiers: general, temporary, and limited. The general permit costs $2,230, the temporary permit costs $1,820, and the limited permit costs $750. The limited permit is designed for businesses where entertainment is a secondary operation and the maximum occupancy is under 300. The application review process is more relaxed compared to the previous system, and the permit lasts for two years. The city intends for the limited permit to draw in new applicants, eventually growing to around 30 to 50 holders in total.
Exemptions and Restrictions
The new permit system has several exemptions and restrictions. Recorded music played in the background, live musicians playing in the background without amplification, and spoken word events are all exempt from the permit requirement. However, if there is a DJ present, a permit is required. The limited permit has specific restrictions, including a maximum occupancy of 300 and a requirement that shows end by 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends.
Business Owners’ Experiences
Despite the new system, only three businesses have applied for the limited permit, citing lack of public awareness and high fees. Business owners who have applied for the limited permit have reported a positive experience with the city’s Entertainment Services Division. Doug Link, owner of ForePlay, an ax-throwing lounge, applied for the limited permit after receiving a citation for hosting a DJ without a permit. He found the application process to be efficient and the staff to be helpful. Eduardo Faustino, owner of Tupi, a Brazilian cafe, also applied for the limited permit and plans to host more live music events.
Challenges and Future Plans
The city’s Entertainment Services Division is working to increase awareness of the new permit system and encourage more businesses to apply. The division plans to launch an informational campaign next year to promote the limited permit and provide guidance to businesses. Meanwhile, business owners like Cooper are planning to apply for the limited permit, citing the importance of live entertainment for their businesses. With the new permit system, Sacramento’s nightlife and entertainment scene is expected to grow and thrive, providing more opportunities for businesses and customers alike.
Conclusion
The new entertainment permit system in Sacramento is a step in the right direction, providing a more accessible and flexible framework for businesses to host live events. While there are still challenges to be addressed, including lack of public awareness and high fees, the city’s Entertainment Services Division is working to promote the limited permit and support businesses. As the city continues to grow and develop, the new permit system is expected to play a key role in shaping the city’s nightlife and entertainment scene.