San Bernardino, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing authority
- City Clerk, with Police/Fire/Development review
- Decision deadline
- 30 days from complete application
- Stage separation
- 18 inches high, 6 feet from patrons
- Minimum lighting
- 2 foot-candles in patron areas
- Hours restriction
- Closed 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Security guard trigger
- 1 guard over 200 occupancy, 2 over 400
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; each day a separate offense
Summary
San Bernardino requires a city license before anyone operates a public dance hall, night club or any venue offering adult entertainment, with the City Clerk investigating every applicant through Police, Fire and Development Services before approval.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association of persons to operate, conduct or carry on any act of entertainment, public dance hall, public dance, dancing club, dine and dance club or night club, as the same are defined in § 5.14.010, without first obtaining a license to do so as provided in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
020). 040). 050). m. Venues with occupancy over 200 in the entertainment area must staff an outside security guard, and over 400 an additional inside guard, each licensed under Cal. Business and Professions Code §§ 7582 et seq. 110). 120).
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, or violating § 5.14.020, is a misdemeanor prosecuted under § 1.12.010(A); each day of continued operation is a separate chargeable offense (§ 5.14.160). A license found in violation of the chapter, or whose holder is convicted of a qualifying sex offense, is subject to suspension or revocation by the City Clerk (§ 5.14.110), with the decision stayed pending a timely appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Bernardino require a special license for adult entertainment venues?
How close can patrons get to a performer in San Bernardino?
What hours can an adult entertainment venue operate in San Bernardino?
What happens if a licensee violates the chapter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle adult entertainment.