El Paso, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- Required (Chapter 5.09)
- Minimum age
- 21 years old
- Background check
- EPPD fingerprints and photo
- Hours barred
- 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Location limits
- Per Title 20 zoning
Summary
El Paso makes it unlawful to operate a sexually oriented business without a city license under City Code Chapter 5.09. Applicants must be at least 21, submit to EPPD fingerprinting and photographing, and meet the locational separation requirements of Title 20 zoning.
5.09.040 - License required. A. Business license. It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct, or operate a sexually oriented business in the city without paying the established fee and obtaining a valid sexually oriented business license. ... [5.09.050] The permit official shall issue a license unless: ... 4. The sexually oriented business ... is not in compliance with the interior configuration requirements of this chapter or is not in compliance with locational requirements of Title 20 of this Code or any other portion of this Code
Full Breakdown
El Paso City Code Chapter 5.09 requires a valid, annual sexually oriented business license before anyone may operate an adult bookstore, adult cabaret or lounge, adult motion picture theater, or sexual device shop. Applications are filed in person with the permit official (Planning and Inspections), and the applicant must appear at El Paso police headquarters to be fingerprinted and photographed. The official issues a license or a written notice of intent to deny within twenty days; pre-existing lawful businesses receive a temporary license immediately. A license is denied if the applicant is under 21, has a disqualifying specified-criminal-activity conviction, or the site fails the locational requirements of Title 20. Businesses may not open between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid license is a Class C misdemeanor; knowingly engaging in or permitting specified sexual activity on the premises is a Class A misdemeanor. Each day is a separate offense, and repeated violations subject the premises to public-nuisance abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city license to open an adult business in El Paso?
How long does the licensing decision take?
Where can a sexually oriented business locate in El Paso?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso
Texas rules heatmap·Compare El Paso to another location·View the Texas business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.