Stratford, CT Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Chapter 42 of the Stratford Code, adopted by the Town Council 11-12-1996 by Ord. No. 96-30, requires the operator of each adult-oriented establishment, including those already operating when the ordinance passed, to acquire a license from the Town. The application goes to the Chief of Police on the Chief's form. Within 45 days after a completed application, the Chief must mail the applicant either a license or a notice of intent to deny; if he fails to do so, the license is deemed granted. The application is complete only when the Chief has the fees, the information required by § 42-5, and a photograph and fingerprints of the applicant (and of each person for whom information is required, in the case of a business organization).

The premises must be inspected by the Town Health Department, Fire Department, Building Department and Zoning Enforcement Officer within 30 days of a complete application. If the premises comply with state and local health, fire and building codes and zoning regulations, the license issues within 45 days unless the applicant is unqualified. Under § 42-4.C an applicant is unqualified if under 18, overdue on Town taxes, fees or fines tied to an adult-oriented business, in violation of the Stratford Zoning Regulations, or convicted of a felony within five years or of a listed misdemeanor within two years, among other grounds. A rejection must be in writing and sent by registered mail.

The fee is $1,000 with the application, and one half is returned if the application is denied (§ 42-6). A license expires one year from issuance, or earlier on a significant change in ownership or operation (§ 42-7); renewal costs $500 and must be filed at least 30 days before expiration. A license cannot be transferred, and any transfer automatically revokes it (§ 42-12). Under § 42-3, operators answer for employees, may not let a minor or intoxicated person loiter, and must keep the premises well-lighted with interior viewing areas visible from common areas.

Zoning is a separate gate. Section 4.4.1 of the Stratford Zoning Regulations makes every adult-oriented establishment a special permit use before the Zoning Commission under Section 7.3.4, requires a minimum of 2,000 feet from a residential district, church, park, playground, library, day-care establishment, school for children under 16 or any place frequented by minors, and caps floor area at 5,000 square feet.