City of Houston Dance Hall | Gerald Franklin Agency

Local Permit

City of Houston Dance Hall Permit

Any Houston venue with a dance floor needs a dance hall license. We handle the classification, background checks, and fire certification with the city.

Interior of an upscale bar and lounge. City of Houston Dance Hall
The City of Houston requires a valid dance hall license for any commercial establishment where dancing occurs, whether public or private, regardless of cover charge or whether dancing is incidental to the main business. The rules sit under the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5, Article III. Gerald Franklin Agency prepares the application and coordinates the background checks and fire certification.

What It Allows

City of Houston Dance Hall

The license lets your venue legally offer dancing with music and a dance floor. We match you to the correct class based on how often you host dancing, so you are not over permitted or under permitted.

Who needs it

Nightclubs, cabarets, bars, restaurants, and event venues in Houston that feature music and a dance floor.

Requirements

What You Need

  • The correct classification, Class A for three or more days a week, Class B for fewer, or Class C for a single event
  • State and federal criminal history reports for anyone with a 20 percent or greater interest
  • Houston Fire Marshal certification of occupancy limits, exits, and documented dance floor area
  • Compliance with Section 5 53, which prohibits sleeping rooms connected to the dance hall

The Details

Fees and Key Facts

Governing code
City of Houston Code, Chapter 5, Article III
Class A
Dancing three or more days per week
Class B
Dancing fewer than three days per week
Class C
One time permit for a single day or event

Fees are the state portion and are subject to change. Local fees and bonds are additional. We confirm current figures for your exact permit or bond during your consultation.

Questions

City of Houston Dance Hall FAQ

Does my venue need a dance hall license?

If dancing occurs at your commercial location, yes, even if it is incidental and even without a cover charge. We confirm the class you need.

What are the classes?

Class A allows dancing three or more days a week, Class B fewer than three days, and Class C is a one time permit for a single event. There is also a teenage dance hall class with added rules.

What checks are involved?

Anyone with a 20 percent or greater interest submits state and federal criminal history reports, and the Houston Fire Marshal certifies fire code compliance. We manage both.

Who reviews the application?

The Administration and Regulatory Affairs department manages applications, which include background checks and a physical inspection. We prepare the full package.

GFA Testimonials

Trusted By Businesses Across Texas

"The Gerald Franklin Agency is the gold standard in the State of Texas for application, renewals and compliance in the ever changing licensing industry."

Gary Adair, Adair Concepts

"Would highly recommend using Gerald Franklin Agency for liquor licenses and permits. Richard Wills is incredibly professional and I had a great experience working with him."

Shelley P., verified 5-star review

"Richard and the team certainly played a major role in facilitating our access to the market."

Graham Painter, Founder and CEO, NZ Wine Navigator
Interior of a Texas bar with seating. City of Houston Dance Hall
A plant filled restaurant and bar interior. City of Houston Dance Hall
Houston, Texas downtown skyline at dusk. City of Houston Dance Hall

Ready to Start Your City of Houston Dance Hall?

Call the largest private liquor licensing agency in Texas. Former TABC professionals prepare, file, and track your application from the first question to final approval.

Start Your Application Call 713 868 0068