Live Entertainment Permit

The City's recently approved and updated (November 2025) Amusement and Entertainment Ordinance supports economic vitality by enabling establishments (restaurants and small venues) to host live entertainment during normal business hours. 

The updates specifically include Live Entertainment Permits will not be required for entertainment or dancing conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and will be required for live entertainment or dancing occurring between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.  

  • Entertainment includes musicians, DJs, comedians, dance acts, dancing by patrons, and other demonstrations of talent or similar activities.
  • Establishments are any location within the limits of the City of Morgan Hill to which the public may be invited, where food and/or alcoholic beverages are served.

Exemptions 

  • Include establishments offering only jukeboxes, recorded music, TVs, or video games.
  • Events by or sponsored by nonprofit charitable organizations or community service organizations.
  • Events for members and their guests at a private club where admission is not open to the public.
  • Parties or events at a private residence where the public is not invited.
  • Entertainment conducted in connection with regularly established community recreation programs, carnivals, or recreation parks.
  • Establishments are responsible to preserve peace and maintain order within and immediately adjacent to their premises.
  • Permits may include the following permit conditions:
    • Security and surveillance standards based on the City's Entertainment Venue and Bar Security Policy.
    • Responsible for alcohol service and trained personnel.
    • Incident reporting and cooperation with the Police Department.
    • Environmental design measures to reduce crime risks.
    • Crowd management and safety protocols.

Permit Process

  • Submit a Live Entertainment Permit Application (via email) at least 30 days before the entertainment event.
  • Submit the required documentation (via email), which can include:
    • Copy of current City of Morgan Hill Business License.
    • Floor Plan of Premises including dimension of premises
    • Proof security company and security guards are licensed by the State of California.
    • Copy of current ABC License.
    • Copy of current lease for business location or notarized acknowledgement from legal owner of property that live entertainment will be offered by the establishment.
  • Pay Live Entertainment Permit Fee (billed electronically).
  • The applicant will be notified when the Live Entertainment Permit has been approved and will receive a signed copy. The permit is to be available on the premises.

Resources

To submit permit application and documents or to ask a permit question, please contact the Police Department’s License-Permits Division.

Please Note

Additional permits and licenses may be required.

For Events on City Streets and Public Property: Private security is required if your event has 500 or more attendees, a significant road closure, or takes place in downtown Morgan Hill. Additional security may also be required.  Please see Special Events Permits for additional details and requirements.

For Events in City Facilities: Please see Facility Policies and Procedures for additional details and requirements.

If you have questions about an occurring event, please call Morgan Hill Police Department’s non-emergency number: 408-779-2101.