Rock Island County, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Chapter 113 of the Rock Island County Code of Ordinances, adopted under 55 ILCS 5/5-1059, bans presenting sexually-oriented entertainment anywhere in the unincorporated county without a license from the County Sheriff (§ 113.04). Applicants apply in writing, under oath, on county forms, disclosing the applicant's identity and the precise location of the building or outdoor site (§ 113.15, § 113.16). Renewal applications are due at least 30 days before expiration. Eligibility under § 113.18 excludes anyone under 21, anyone convicted of a felony or of a Criminal Code Article 11 sex offense within the preceding five years, non-U.S. citizens, anyone whose prior license was revoked, and any location that is not properly zoned or that has building-code or public-health violations.

Outdoor locations must sit immediately adjacent to an already-licensed building, be at least 2,000 feet from any residence, and at least 300 feet from any public highway (§ 113.18(L)). General licenses run to midnight June 30 each year and cost $200, dropping to $125 if first issued on or after January 1; outdoor location licenses expire 48 hours after taking effect and cost $100, with applications due at least 15 days ahead (§ 113.19-§ 113.22). The Sheriff must grant or deny a first general license within 45 days, notify renewal applicants at least 72 hours before expiration, and decide outdoor location applications at least 48 hours before the requested effective date, refunding the fee on any denial (§ 113.24).

No licensee may hold more than three outdoor location licenses in any 12-month period (§ 113.25). Restrictions bar operation between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, bar employees under 18 and patrons under 21, and prohibit alcohol unless the venue also holds a Chapter 110 liquor license (§ 113.40-§ 113.42).