POLICE PERMITS

WHAT IS A POLICE PERMIT?

Certain business require permits from the local police department to operate. The types of businesses that require police permits include Card Clubs, School, Cafe Entertainment & Shows (live music, karaoke, shows), Dance Halls, Dancing Clubs, Dance Academy, Public Dances, Pool Hall, Arcade, Public Games, Amusement Games, Adult Motion Picture Show, Cyber Cafes, Bowling Alley, Massage Parlor, Skating Rink, and Swap Meets. Each local government entity may have different policies and requirements for police permits, so you need to check which entity had jurisdiction over your business location.

WHY DO I NEED A POLICE PERMIT?

Well, our theory is that above types of activities may require more police enforcement due to nature of the of the activities involved, as such, the local police department needs to register these businesses to regulate and enforce them. Also, these permits generate revenue for the local government. Whatever the real reason is, if you are planning to operate any of the types of business activities listed above, you will have to apply for and been approved of a valid police permit to operate your business activity. For example: The owner of a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles wants a mariachi band to play live music for his guests. Prior to offering live music in his restaurant, he needs to obtain a police permit from the Los Angeles Police Department.

IS IT ILLEGAL TO OPERATE A BUSINESS WITHOUT A POLICE PERMIT?

Yes, if you are conducting the above listed activities at your business without a police permit, you are breaking the law. You can be cited or arrested for violation of not having a police permit and you will have to appear in criminal court. As a misdemeanor, it may carry a 6 month or up to 1 year of jail time and/or up to $1,000 in criminal fines. In addition, you may be ordered to serve probation as well as other criminal penalties. For example: The owner of the Mexican restaurant above decides to offer the services of a mariachi band to his guests before obtaining the proper police permit. One night, an LAPD officer requests to see his police permit. Because he doesn't have a police permit, the officer may cite or arrest him or his employees for violating the law, requiring him to stand in front of a criminal court judge. See Sale of Alcohol Crimes.

HOW TO GET A POLICE PERMIT?

As with all bureaucratic procedures, applying for and obtaining a police permit is very complicated and time consuming. An inspection by the police is usually required. Moreover, the police will evaluate other licenses or permits that maybe required for your business before allowing a public hearing to approve or deny your permit. For example: The above owner of the Mexican restaurant has an ABC license to sell beer and wine. He applies for a police permit for live music. But, his ABC license has a condition prohibiting loud music. His police permit lawyer negotiates a favorable resolution with LAPD to allow a public hearing and his police permit is approved.

TYPES OF POLICE PERMIT SERVICES OFFERED BY BO LEE LAW GROUP:

Police Permit for bowling alley - Bo Lee Law Group has extensive experience applying for police permits. Bowling alley permits require limited hours and no alcohol. A public hearing and publication of hearing is required.

Police Permit for live music, shows, and karaoke - Bo Lee Law Group has extensive experience applying for police permits. Live music, shows, and karaoke permits require a public hearing, but publication is not required.

Police Permit for dance halls and dancing clubs - Bo Lee Law Group has extensive experience applying for police permits. Dance hall and dance club permits require at least a 200 square feet of dance floor, a valid Conditional Use Permit, with certain exceptions, and a public hearing with publication.

Police Permit for pool room and billiard halls - Bo Lee Law Group has extensive experience applying for police permits. Pool room and billiard hall permits have different categories depending on the number of pool tables and require a public hearing with publication.

Police Permit for arcade and amusement games - Bo Lee Law Group has extensive experience applying for police permits. Arcade and amusement game permits have different categories depending on the type of games offered and require a public hearing.

Police Permit Enforcement Defense - Bo Lee Law Group has extensive experience defending criminal cases involving police permit violations. As a criminal case, they carry the same criminal penalties and consequences as more serious crimes. A conviction may lead to a lengthy probation term, criminal fines, and/or jail time. Moreover, your conviction stays on your record. Meaning any Live Scan background check will reveal your conviction. This may negatively impact your chances of receiving approval for your ABC license and/or other permit application.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A LAWYER TO EXPEDITE A POLICE PERMIT:

The complexity of local government police permit rules, city planning procedures, and penalties

The complexity of California's Business & Professional Code (BPC) and penalties

An experienced police permit lawyer will often save you time and money in expediting a police permit

An experienced police permit lawyer can negotiate difficult legal issues when applying for a police permit

An experienced police permit and criminal defense lawyer can help you successfully maneuver through the criminal court system in expediting a police permit

An experienced police permit lawyer can offer legal advice associated with your police permit

An experienced police permit lawyer may appear for you on most cases related to your police permit