Business Licensing & Operations in Atlanta, GA (2026)
7 verified business licensing & operations rules for Atlanta, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Atlanta bars an alcohol license endorsed for adult entertainment within 2,000 feet of homes, schools, churches, parks, and MARTA stations.
Atlanta Adult Entertainment Spacing Rule
Significant RestrictionsAtlanta Code of Ordinances § 10-89
No license under this division shall be issued for any adult entertainment establishment which is within 2,000 feet of any private residence, boys' club, girls' club, public park, MARTA station, church or synagogue or any other place of worship, YMCA, YWCA, youth-oriented organization; day care center, child center, library, school ground or college campus, day labor center or hospital. The lic...
Massage Establishments
Atlanta requires a police-issued license to operate a massage establishment, with a $2,000 annual fee, a $100 investigative fee, and inspections at least four times a year.
Atlanta Massage Establishment License Rules
Significant RestrictionsAtlanta Code of Ordinances § 30-951(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a massage establishment without having obtained a license therefor or for any person to allow a massage technician to administer massages without first having obtained the license required by this division.
Tattoo & Body Modification
Atlanta requires anyone operating a tattoo establishment or working as a tattoo artist to get a police-issued permit, submit fingerprints and a medical certificate, and steer clear of residential zoning.
Atlanta Tattoo & Body Art Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsAtlanta Code of Ordinances § 30-1286
No person shall operate a tattoo establishment or engage in the practice or business of tattooing as a tattoo operator or tattoo artist unless the person has first secured a permit from the city.
Tobacco Retail License
Atlanta's Smoke-Free Ordinance (Ref. 19-O-1205), effective January 2, 2020, prohibits smoking and electronic nicotine delivery system use in most indoor public places and within 10 feet of entrances. Georgia has no general tobacco-retail preemption. Ga. Code § 16-12-171 sets a statewide age of 21 only.
Atlanta Smoke-Free Ordinance Covers Vape Use Indoors
Some RestrictionsAtlanta City Council Press Release — Smoke Free Ordinance Now in Effect in Atlanta (Legislative Reference No. 19-O-1205)
Smoke Free Ordinance Now in Effect in Atlanta ATLANTA — A comprehensive smoke-free ordinance to make Atlanta a healthier city for residents, employees, and visitors has officially taken effect today, January 2. The legislation, adopted by the Council with a 13-2 vote and signed into law by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in July, prohibits smoking and vaping indoors in most public places, including ...
Secondhand Dealers
Atlanta requires secondhand dealers to log every item's description and seller's identity within one hour of purchase, hold goods 15 days, and file daily purchase reports with the police department.
Atlanta Secondhand Dealer Recordkeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsAtlanta Code of Ordinances § 122-28(a)
All secondhand dealers shall keep a book wherein shall be entered an accurate description of all property of the kinds specified in section 122-26 which they acquire by purchase or trade and the name, address, estimated age, weight and height of the person from whom purchased or acquired and the date and hour of the purchase. These entries shall be made as soon as possible after the transaction...
Pawnbrokers
Atlanta requires a police-issued pawnshop license before operating: $100 application fee, $750 annual license, License Review Board hearing, and a 1,000-foot buffer from other pawnshops, schools, and churches.
Atlanta Pawnbroker License Requirements
Significant RestrictionsAtlanta Code of Ordinances § 122-81
Every person, before beginning the business of operating a pawnshop or similar place where money is advanced on goods or other effects or merchandise of any kind is taken in pawn, shall first file an application with the department of police for a permit to conduct the business.
Towing Companies
Atlanta requires wreckers and trespass-tow operators to hold a mayor-issued license, register every vehicle with police, and cap nonconsensual towing fees at $125 under city and state rules.
Atlanta Wrecker & Towing Company Licensing
Significant RestrictionsAtlanta Code of Ordinances § 162-223(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person, either as principal, agent or employee, to use or operate upon any of the streets of the city a wrecker or to do any trespass towing (as defined in O.C.G.A. § 44-1-13) without having obtained a license granted by the mayor as provided in this section.
Looking for Fulton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Atlanta city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Fulton County →