Service overview
Any person who arranges promoted events for social entertainment at a special assembly occupancy must register as an event promoter.
At a promoted event, the registered promoter takes over operational control of a special assembly occupancy and has final authority over business operations such as legal occupancy capacity, security, or crowd control and dispersal.
This registration isn’t required to arrange certain types of events, including:
- Movies or stage performances at a theater.
- No more than one event for charitable purposes (as defined by the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act, 10 P.S. § 162.1 et seq).
- Private events for invited guests, such as wedding receptions or other celebrations with no admission charge.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this registration. This registration is required for any person who contracts with a venue, performing artist, advertiser, or similar entity to arrange a promoted event at a special assembly occupancy.
This registration is not required for:
- Special Assembly Occupancy License holders or their employees.
- City or City-related agencies.
- Political committees.
Requirements
Other licenses, registrations, certificates
To get this registration, you need:
- A City tax account.
- A Commercial Activity License.
- To pay the Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT).
Tax compliance
You must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Forms
The Registered Event Promotor and Special Assembly Occupancy License holder must complete these forms before each promoted event in the City of Philadelphia.
At least two weeks before the event, complete and submit the Promoted Event Notification form to:
- The Department of Licenses and Inspections: Upload and submit the form using the Notice of Promoted Event online form.
- The Philadelphia Police Department: Mail or bring to the Police Administration Building, Room 313 at 750 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Promoted Event Agreement form is a written agreement between a Registered Event Promotor and the Special Assembly Occupancy License holder. You must keep a copy of the agreement onsite and be able to present it 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 $20 non-refundable application fee is applied to the registration fee. The remaining balance is due once your application is approved.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| 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
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
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.
How
You can apply for this registration online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Upload all required documents and pay the application fee.
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email explaining what is missing or required.
In person
Bring a completed promoter registration application.
L&I can review most applications while you wait.