Business Licensing & Operations in Bessemer, AL (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Bessemer, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Bessemer confines adult entertainment businesses to its AE district and imposes a 1,500-foot buffer from churches, schools, homes, parks and other adult facilities, plus a blackout-window rule barring any visible display to the public.
Bessemer Adult Entertainment Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsBessemer Code of Ordinances, Appendix B (Zoning) § 7.11(4)
Sec. 7.11. - AE Adult entertainment district. ... (4)District regulations.(a)Adult entertainment establishment operating within this zoning district shall not be permitted within (1,500) feet of any religious institution, school and/or residential district, kindergarten or child-care facility, public or private park or playground, or other adult entertainment facility. The distance provided her...
Massage Establishments
Bessemer requires every massage parlor to hold a city business license naming each masseur, masseuse and attendant employed there, plus a separate operator's license per practitioner under Code §§ 22-329 and 22-330. Applicants must submit a physician's written health verification dated within 20 days of applying before any license issues.
Bessemer Massage Establishment License Requirements
Significant RestrictionsBessemer Code of Ordinances §§ 22-329, 22-330
No massage parlor shall be opened to members of the public or operated for any other purpose without the owner thereof first having obtained a business license from the city, which such business license shall contain thereon the name of each masseur, masseuse or attendant employed for such purpose by such licensed business. ... No applicant for a license to conduct or operate a massage parlor n...
Secondhand Dealers
Junk dealers in Bessemer cannot buy scrap metal, brass, iron, lead, or tools from a minor without written parental or guardian permission under Code of Ordinances section 86-19. Every junk dealer must also keep a purchase record book under section 86-20, open to inspection during business hours.
Bessemer Secondhand and Junk Dealer Rules
Some RestrictionsBessemer Code of Ordinances §§ 86-19, 86-20
No junk dealer or other person shall purchase or procure from any minor within the city limits any brass or iron of any quality, lead or any kind of scrap or tools of any substance without first obtaining permission in writing from the parent or guardian of such minor. ... Every person carrying on the junk business or dealing in junk shall provide and keep a book and enter therein each purchase...
Pawnbrokers
Bessemer pawnbrokers follow the Alabama Pawnshop Act's definitions under Code of Ordinances section 86-44 and must hold purchased goods on the premises at least 15 business days, or 21 days for vehicles, before resale under section 86-47(c), with pledgors required to sign an ownership statement.
Bessemer Pawnbroker Recordkeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsBessemer Code of Ordinances § 86-47(a), (c)
(a)The pledgor or seller shall sign a statement verifying that the pledgor or seller is the rightful owner of the goods or is entitled to sell or pledge the goods and shall receive an exact copy of the pawn ticket which shall be signed or initialed by the pawnbroker or any employee of the pawnbroker. ... (c)All goods purchased by the pawnbroker except for automobiles, trucks, and similar vehicl...
Towing Companies
Bessemer requires the wrecker company handling a police-ordered impound to collect established towing and storage fees plus a city administrative fee, and permits it to sell an unredeemed vehicle after 60 days under state law.
Bessemer Wrecker Company Impound Fee Rule
Some RestrictionsBessemer Code of Ordinances Sec. 106-296(h)-(i)
(h)The person redeeming the vehicle at the wrecker lot will be responsible for paying the established towing and storage fees, as well as an administrative fee to be forwarded by the wrecker company to the city.(i)Any vehicle impounded that is not redeemed pursuant to this division within 60 days may be sold by the wrecker company for fees owed according to the Alabama Abandoned Motor Vehicle A...
Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bessemer city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Jefferson County →