Bellingham, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Adult cabaret annual license fee
- $500
- Other category annual license fee
- $125
- Stage setback from patrons
- at least 10 feet
- Nudity/performance hours ban
- 2:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
- Max criminal penalty
- $1,000 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Bellingham requires a separate city license for each adult cabaret, arcade, motel, or motion picture theater, with fees up to $500 a year and detailed premises, conduct, and hours-of-operation standards under BMC Chapter 6.30.
An application for an adult entertainment license shall be made on a form provided by the city. Such license is in addition to the general business registration required by Chapter 6.05 BMC. A separate license shall be obtained for each category of business defined in BMC 6.30.020 and for each location. ... The adult entertainment performance area ... shall be a stage or platform at least 18 inches in elevation ... and shall be separated by a distance of at least 10 feet from all areas of the premises to which patrons have access.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC Chapter 6.30 requires anyone operating an adult cabaret, adult arcade, adult motel, or adult motion picture theater in Bellingham to obtain a separate license from the finance director for each business category and location, on top of the general business registration required under Chapter 6.05. Adult cabarets pay a $500 annual fee; other categories pay $125; individual managers and entertainers need their own $100 and $25 licenses. Adult cabarets must maintain a performance stage at least 18 inches high and set back at least 10 feet from patron areas, and no nude appearance or exhibition of specified sexual activities may occur between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, or violating the conduct, premises, or hours rules, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail, plus license suspension or revocation under BMC 6.30.150 and 6.30.190.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bellingham require a separate license for each adult entertainment business location?
What are the hours restrictions for Bellingham adult cabarets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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