Gordon County, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Article V of Chapter 7, rewritten by an ordinance adopted November 3, 2009, regulates adult entertainment establishments in the unincorporated area. Section 7-153 makes it unlawful to operate one without an annual license. The regulatory fee is $1,500 a year, due within 10 days after the county approves an application, and every license expires December 31. Renewals must be filed before November 30 or carry a 20 percent late charge. A premises that holds an alcoholic beverage license cannot get an adult entertainment license, and a licensed adult premises can never apply for an alcohol license.

Section 7-155 requires a nonrefundable $300 application fee and a detailed application that lists owners and operators, five years of addresses and work history, convictions, fingerprints, three character references and a plat by a registered engineer or land surveyor showing distances to neighboring uses. The county administrator or a designee has 30 days to approve or deny and must acknowledge receipt within five business days. Applicants convicted within five years of offenses such as prostitution, public indecency or child molestation are denied. Distance under Section 7-156(a) is measured by airline measurement between the closest points of the property lines.

Section 7-156 adds operating rules. Dancing must take place on a platform raised at least 18 inches, all areas must be lit to 3.5 footcandles per square foot while patrons are present, and all activity must occur inside a closed building with windows and doors covered. Each adult entertainer needs a $25 annual employment permit from the Gordon County Sheriff's Department, which decides within 15 days, and a denial can be appealed to the Board of Commissioners within 10 days. Section 7-157 bans alcohol on the premises, requires four feet between performer and patron and bars direct tipping. Section 7-160 lets the Fire Department, the Building Inspection Department and the Sheriff's Department inspect.