Café Entertainment / Shows police permit: Los Angeles restaurant guide

LA Police Commission

What it is

A Board of Police Commissioners permit is required for restaurants offering live entertainment, music, karaoke, dancing or pool tables (Café Entertainment/Shows, Dance Hall, Pool Room); valet parking needs separate Police Commission permits.

When a restaurant needs it

Live music, DJ, karaoke, shows, or pool tables.

How to apply

Download the application from the Police Commission applications page, email the completed packet to pcpermitapplications@lapd.online, attend the in-person appointment with originals, pay fees at the Office of Finance, and complete the background investigation.

Documents you’ll need

Application and fee
Owner/manager background information
Floor plan
Proof of zoning/land-use approval

Fee

Varies — paid to the Office of Finance (cash, credit card or check); amounts not published online

Processing time

Several weeks to months (background investigation)

Renewal

Annually

Who files

The business owner applies and submits to the background check.

Good to know

Permit Processing Section: 100 W. First St., Room 147, (213) 996-1210, pcpermits@lapd.online. Fee amounts are not published on the LAPD pages — ask the investigator at the appointment.

Official source

LAPD — Police Commission Permit Processing Section · LAPD — how to apply for a Police Commission permit

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.