The Sacramento City Council last Tuesday approved the creation of a new Limited Entertainment Permit (LEP), a move designed to support the city’s vibrant nighttime, social and creative economies. The LEP provides smaller businesses with an opportunity to host entertainment while reducing barriers related to costs, applications, and requirements typically applied to larger venues.
The Office of Nighttime Economy, in collaboration with the newly created Entertainment Services Division, worked extensively on this initiative.
“The new Limited Entertainment Permit is a significant step in supporting Sacramento’s creative economy,” said Tina Lee-Vogt, Manager of the Office of Nighttime Economy. “By simplifying the permitting process, we’re making it easier for businesses to host live entertainment while ensuring compliance with the City’s noise and occupancy standards. This initiative creates more opportunities for local artists and enhances the city’s social vibrancy.”
The newly approved LEP allows establishments with an occupancy of 299 or fewer to offer entertainment as a secondary operation, such as live music at restaurants, with entertainment hours ending as late as 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. The LEP will also reduce barriers for venues outside of downtown and midtown, promoting entertainment citywide.
The LEP is a direct response to recommendations from the Sociable City Assessment and the Sacramento Music Census, both of which identified the need for tiered entertainment permitting to foster growth in the local music and social scene.
Staff plan to bring the LEP back to City Council to establish the associated fees. The program is expected to launch in May.
Meanwhile, the Entertainment Services Division will work to establish an online permitting process to further simplify applications and improve the experience for both applicants and city staff.
The division will also continue community outreach and host a public meeting to evaluate sound policies related to entertainment venues, special events and other entertainment related to sound.
This approval reflects the City Council’s commitment to fostering a safe, dynamic, and well-managed social economy while supporting local businesses and artists. The Entertainment Services Division, housed within Convention and Cultural Services, will oversee the implementation and execution of the LEP, ensuring Sacramento continues to thrive as a hub for nightlife and entertainment.
