Service overview
A special assembly occupancy license is required for certain restaurants, bars, catering halls, nightclubs, and other gathering places.
You need this license if your business:
- Offers social entertainment like dancing, live music, or DJs.
- Has a lawful occupancy of over 50 people.
You don’t need this license if your business:
- Only uses a strolling musician.
- Has a dance floor that occupies less than 10 percent of the customer area.
- Has a theater with fixed seating.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
You can’t get or renew this license if:
- Your previous license at the location was revoked or deactivated within the last three months.
- You are behind on filing or paying your City taxes.
Requirements
Other licenses, registrations, certificates
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Amusement License
- Lawful Occupancy Sign
You also need to know the lawful occupancy of the business.
Zoning approval
You must provide proof of zoning approval.
Background check and tax clearance
You must complete a criminal background check through the City or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The business must also be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Once your application has been accepted, the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) will forward it to:
- The Philadelphia Police Department for recommendation of approval.
- L&I’s Code Enforcement Unit for fire safety inspection.
Where and when
Online
Use the eCLIPSE system.
In person
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Office closes at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
A non-refundable fee of $20 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
You must post this notice on the street-facing side of your building for a minimum of 30 days.
The Philadelphia Police Department will provide its recommendation. L&I’s Code Enforcement Unit will perform a fire safety inspection.
The total review process can take up to 45 days.
In person
You must post this notice on the street-facing side of your building for a minimum of 30 days.
The Philadelphia Police Department will provide its recommendation. L&I’s Code Enforcement Unit will perform a fire safety inspection.
The total review process can take up to 45 days.
Renewal requirements
A Special Assembly Occupancy License must be renewed every two years. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
To renew your license, you must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
When you renew, you will receive a Notice of Renewal from L&I. You must post this notice on the street-facing side of your building for 30 days. L&I will forward your application to the Philadelphia Police Department for their recommendation of approval.
Forms & instructions
Related content
- File and pay Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT)
- Use eCLIPSE to apply for licenses
- Get a Certificate of Occupancy
- Get a Lawful Occupancy Sign
- Get a Food Preparation and Serving License
- Get a Food Establishment Retail, Permanent Location License
- Get a Sidewalk Cafe License
- Get an Amusement License
- Get a Commercial Activity License
- Zoning permits