Council approves creation of streamlined permit for small businesses to host live entertainment

Sacramento (March 26, 2024) The City Council voted Tuesday to create a less expensive, faster entertainment permit process for restaurants, coffee shops, and other small businesses that want to host live music, comedy, or other shows.

The concept was promoted by Mayor Darrell Steinberg in his 2023 State of the City address series and is supported by groups such as the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and the Midtown Association. It also responds to the recommendations of two studies of the music scene recently commissioned by the city.

After receiving unanimous Council direction, staff said they would come back with an ordinance for approval in six to eight weeks.

The band Hayez performed at the Mayor’s August 2023 State of the City address focused on entertainment permitting

Making it easier for small businesses to host entertainment will “unlock the potential of art, music and creativity,” Mayor Steinberg said. “That’s the way the Austins and the Nashvilles have done it. It’s not just about big facilities. It’s about creating a cool, hip vibe because there’s music at 10 spots around the city.”

The limited entertainment permit will cost less and require fewer inspections and less processing time than the full entertainment permit required today. The entertainment will have to be a secondary use for the business.

Tina Lee-Vogt, the City’s Nighttime Economy Measure, said of the current process: “A pizza parlor in Natomas that wants to occasionally have live music must comply with the same requirements as a large nightclub downtown.”

She said creating more opportunities for businesses to host live performances would help them by giving customers reasons to stay longer, and also would provide more sources of income for artists.

The limited permit concept was one of a list of changes proposed by the mayor in his State of the City — all designed to enliven the music and arts scene. These include a single point of entry at the City for entertainment permits, an online permitting system, and faster permits for special events held in vacant buildings, lots, and public spaces.