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- Your previous license at the location was revoked or deactivated within the last three months.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.
Additional requirements for promoted events
- Promoted Event Notification form – Must be completed and submitted to the Philadelphia Police Department and the Department of Licenses and Inspections at least two (2) weeks prior to the event. To submit this form to L&I use the online form.
- Promoted Event Agreement form – This form is a written agreement between the “Registered Event Promoter” and the “Special Assembly Occupancy” license holder, outlining operational responsibilities. A copy of this agreement must be kept on site and furnished upon request.
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center 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
Offices close 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.
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.) (Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are: If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds: If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
Where
Accepted payment
Online through the eCLIPSE application
In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building
In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
Reasons your check may be rejected
Returned payment policy
Late license payment
How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
You must print and post the notice on all street-facing sides of your building and take photos of posting prior to submitting your application.
You must upload photos showing proof of posting with your application. The posting must remain on site for at least 30 days.
The Philadelphia Police Department will provide its recommendation. L&I’s Code Enforcement Unit will perform a fire safety inspection and verify that notices are properly posted during the on-site inspection.
The total review process can take up to 45 days.
In person
You must print and post the notice on all street-facing sides of your building and take photos of posting prior to submitting your application.
You must bring photos showing proof of posting with your application. The posting must remain on site for at least 30 days.
The Philadelphia Police Department will provide its recommendation. L&I’s Code Enforcement Unit will perform a fire safety inspection and verify that notices are properly posted during the on-site 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 must post the notice on all street-facing sides of your building for a minimum of 30 days. You must upload or bring photos showing proof of posting on the building to the Permit and License Center.
L&I will forward your application to the Philadelphia Police Department for its recommendation of approval.