Business Licensing & Operations in Clifton, NJ (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Clifton, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Clifton requires any bar, cabaret, theater, or licensed establishment furnishing entertainment to obtain a Municipal Council license under City Code Chapter 215, and it flatly bans topless or bottomless dancing, lewd performances, and entertainers under 18 on any licensed premises, regardless of the license.
Clifton Entertainment License Bars Topless Dancing
Heavy RestrictionsClifton Code §§ 215-1 and 215-3
It shall be unlawful for any public assembly hall, cabaret, theater, movie house, social club, restaurant and/or any person, partnership or corporation holding a plenary retail consumption license occupying any buildings or parts of buildings to furnish in or on those premises occupied by the aforesaid establishments entertainment of any kind or nature, whether or not an admission charge, cover...
Massage Establishments
Clifton requires a separate City Clerk license for any massage establishment and for every individual massagist under Chapter 309, with a $150 annual establishment fee, a $50 massagist fee, and Council-level vetting for criminal history.
Clifton massage establishment and massagist licenses
Significant RestrictionsClifton Code § 309-2
No person, firm or corporation shall operate any establishment or utilize any premises in the City of Clifton in the County of Passaic as or for a massage establishment unless or until there first has been obtained a license for such establishment or premises from the City Clerk of the City of Clifton in accordance with the terms and provisions of this chapter.
Tattoo & Body Modification
Clifton bans tattooing outright except when performed by a licensed physician for medical or cosmetic purposes. Body piercing establishments are treated differently: they may operate but only after obtaining an annual $400 license from the Health Department.
Clifton Tattooing Ban and Body Piercing License
Heavy RestrictionsClifton Code § 407-1; § 211-9, § 211-10
§ 407-1. Tattooing of human beings prohibited; exception. No person shall tattoo a human being or conduct the business of tattooing, with the exception that a licensed physician may tattoo a human being for medical or cosmetic purposes. ... § 211-9. License required. A. No person, firm or corporation shall operate any establishment or utilize any premises in the City of Clifton for the purpose ...
Secondhand Dealers
Buying used jewelry, electronics or other secondhand goods for resale in Clifton requires a $1,000 municipal license, a police background check, and photographing every item and seller. Records must be entered into an approved database the same day and kept five years.
Clifton Secondhand Goods Dealer License Rules
Significant RestrictionsClifton Code § 429-2, § 429-3, § 429-5, § 429-6
SECONDHAND GOODS: Used merchandise including, but not limited to, antiques, gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals, jewelry, coins, gemstones, gift cards, any tools, telephones, typewriters... computers, computer hardware and software, television sets, radios... electronic devices, musical instruments, sporting goods, automotive equipment, collectibles, game cartridges, DVDs, CDs... f...
Pawnbrokers
No one may pawn or lend money on pledged property in Clifton without a numbered license from the Municipal Clerk, a police background check, and a $10,000 surety bond. The license costs $1,000 to obtain and $1,000 to renew every year.
Clifton Pawnbroker Licensing and Bond Rules
Significant RestrictionsClifton Code § 429-2, § 429-3, § 429-9, § 429-10
PAWNBROKER: Any person, partnership, association or corporation lending money on deposit or pledge of personal property, other than choses in action, securities, or printed evidences of indebtedness; purchasing personal property on condition of selling it back at a stipulated price; or doing business as furniture storage warehousemen and lending money on goods, wares or merchandise pledged or d...
Towing Companies
A tower may not remove a vehicle from private property without the owner's consent unless a 36-by-36-inch sign is posted and, in most cases, written authorization is obtained from the property owner present at the removal. Charges are capped at 150% of the City's official towing rates.
Clifton Nonconsensual Towing Company Rules
Significant RestrictionsClifton Code § 425-22, § 425-23
§ 425-22. Signage requirements. A. No person shall tow any motor vehicle for an unauthorized purpose from any privately owned parking lot, from other private property or from any common driveway without the consent of the motor vehicle owner or operator unless there is posted in a conspicuous place at all vehicular entrances to the property... a sign no smaller than 36 inches high and 36 inches...
Looking for Passaic County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Clifton city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Passaic County →