Bristol, PA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Chapter 13, Part 6 of the Bristol Borough Code regulates adult businesses. Section 13-604 requires a permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer before anyone operates one. The permit issues to an applicant who has paid the fee, made no material misstatement, and whose building and lot comply with building, fire, electrical, plumbing, health and zoning requirements as shown by Borough inspections. The nonrefundable fee is set by resolution of Borough Council and does not replace any other fee or tax.

Section 13-605 requires a complete application on the Borough form: the applicant's name and proof of age of at least 18, entity details for partnerships and corporations, a narrative with hours and number of employees, an interior floor plan drawn to scale, a site plan showing parking, lighting and entrances, the lease, three years of address and employment history, and two passport-style color photographs. Businesses already operating had 90 days to apply and could keep operating meanwhile. A new applicant gets a temporary permit not to exceed 30 days on a completed application.

The Code Enforcement Officer has 30 days to investigate and grant or deny under section 13-606, and the applicant can begin operating if the Borough fails to act in 30 days. Each permit expires one year after issuance, and a renewal request must be filed at least 30 days before expiration. Section 13-607 requires denial where the lot fails the locational or zoning requirements of Chapter 27, the Zoning Ordinance, so the separation and district rules live there, not in Part 6. Appeal goes in writing to Borough Council within 10 days, with a hearing not less than 10 nor more than 30 days after receipt (section 13-608).

Section 13-614 adds operating rules: closed from midnight to 9:00 a.m. except adult cabarets, no one under 18 admitted, one foot candle of parking lot lighting, and a stage at least 18 inches high and 10 feet from patrons for live entertainment. At least one security guard is required whenever a live entertainment business is open, with an additional guard if occupancy exceeds 35 persons.