Adult Entertainment Licensing Lawyer in Baltimore, MD
Adult entertainment venues in Maryland require specific licensing and application processes for potential owners. These businesses require specific zoning, special entertainment permits, adherence to local ordinances, and meeting operational requirements. Throughout Maryland, adult entertainment licensing varies from county to county.
If you’re looking to open an adult entertainment venue in Maryland, you are going to need to work with an adult entertainment licensing attorney. You will face roadblocks and complications every step of the way, with small details affecting which licenses you may apply for. It is a highly regulated industry with strict regulations.
Contact Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy in Baltimore today for assistance with Maryland adult entertainment licensing. Our licensing lawyers can assist from the very beginning, so do not hesitate to call today. Learn what you need to open an adult entertainment venue in Maryland.
Why Work with Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy Adult Entertainment Attorneys
Experienced Licensing Attorneys
Familiar with Varying Maryland County Regulations
Professional, Responsive, Attentive
Start to Finish Business Assistance
What is an Adult Entertainment Venue
Adult entertainment licensing applies to a variety of venues and clubs. Before you create a business plan, it is important to understand if your business will require an adult entertainment license and an attorney to help you establish your venue.
If your venue has any relation to adult entertainment, you are advised to consult with an attorney before you begin your business application process.
- Strip clubs
- Gentlemen's clubs
- Adult theaters
- Adult retail stores
- Swingers clubs
- Fetish and BDSM clubs
What You Need to Open an Adult Entertainment Venue in Maryland
An Experienced Attorney
Adult entertainment is a highly regulated industry, with processes varying from county to county within Maryland.
While we can highlight key considerations online, speaking with one of our attorneys during a free consult call is the best way to know what your application process will involve.
Zoning Regulations for Your Location(s)
If you have a location in mind for your adult entertainment venue, you must consider zoning restrictions.
Different Maryland counties will require strict distances from schools, churches, parks, homes, and other adult venues. In almost every Maryland county, you must be in an area zoned commercial/industrial.
A Legal Business
You will need to follow all standard procedures for setting up your business, including LLC, insurance, tax ID, and other documents.
Our adult entertainment lawyers can consult on all proper registrations to ensure you have a legal business that may apply for all further permits and licenses.
Adult Entertainment License
Maryland counties vary in whether they require a separate adult entertainment/sexually-oriented business permit. Most counties do.
This application process may require additional fees, fingerprinting, employee verification, background checks, public notices, and more. Consult with our adult entertainment attorneys to ensure your application and documents are being filled out thoroughly.
Liquor License
Liquor licenses for adult entertainment venues in Maryland have stricter rules than liquor licenses for non-adult entertainment venues.
You may need to define the type of adult entertainment venue, the type of entertainment, and other details in order to see if you are eligible for a liquor license.
Community Hearing
A community hearing must be held to hear public opinion on a new adult entertainment venue. As the business owner, you must have answers and professional solutions to community concerns.
Our adult entertainment attorneys in Maryland have helped owners navigate concerns around safety, demographics, crime, family neighborhood values, and more.
Issues Applying for an Adult Entertainment Venue
The process is not simple to open an adult entertainment venue in Maryland. You must be aware of what type of entertainment your venue will provide, how you will handle safety issues and concerns, obtain alcohol licensing if desired, and keep your venue compliant with all local regulations. Permits, zoning, and licensing procedures all vary by county in Maryland. Be prepared for complications that may arise.
- Zoning rules
- Community concerns
- Political opposition
- Liquor license application
- Varying rules throughout the state
- Operational compliance
- Noise regulations
- Insurance
- Tax and business classifications
- Dancer/employee record keeping
- Health and safety protections
- Advertising and marketing restrictions
- Financing
CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULT
Get a Consult in Maryland Today
Don’t try to launch an adult entertainment venue without an experienced legal team on your side. Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy have years of experience helping business owners launch their venues and navigate complex and challenging licenses and permits.
Whether you’re in Baltimore City or Montgomery County, you want a knowledgeable team to help. Do not restart the process over and over again because you were denied due to incorrect documentation, missing details, incorrect filing deadlines, and more.
We are with you from the very beginning. Let’s discuss your venue today on a free consult call to begin.
