Hammond, IN Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

City Code Chapter 128 requires anyone who wants to "conduct, maintain, operate or cause substantial enlargement or transfer of ownership or control of any adult entertainment business" in Hammond to hold a license issued under § 128.03. The City Controller grants, denies, renews, suspends and revokes these licenses and also checks compliance with zoning rules, while the Code Enforcement Officer inspects the premises. The application must disclose the owner's identity (or, for a corporation, its officers, directors and 10%-plus stockholders), any prior denial, suspension or revocation of a similar license anywhere, and any convictions for specified criminal activity.

A sketch of the premises accurate to within six inches and the applicant's mailing address are also required, along with the $500 filing fee under § 128.03(H). Once filed, the Controller sends copies to the Police Department, Fire Department and Code Enforcement Officer, each of which investigates. Operations are further restricted by § 128.06: unobstructed sightlines, no private booths, 2 foot-candle interior lighting, an entry attendant to keep out anyone under 18, a stage at least 18 inches high separated by 10 feet from customers, separate dressing rooms, and a ban on specified sexual activity or display of specified anatomical areas on Sundays or before 10:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. on other days.

Licenses can be suspended 30 days for a first violation, 60 days for a second, and revoked (with a one-year reapplication bar) for a third, all within a 12-month window under § 128.04, with appeal to the Board of Public Works and Safety within 30 days.