Division 26. Adult Entertainment Clubs
Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.
Division 26. Adult Entertainment Clubs
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2600 (2026)
Sec. 5-2600. Declaration of findings and policyLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Based on public testimony and other evidence before it, including information, studies and court decisions from other jurisdictions, the Prince George's County Council makes the following legislative findings and statement of policy:
(1)
The County Council recognizes that some activities that occur in connection with adult-oriented businesses are protected as expressive speech and does not intend to suppress or infringe upon expressive activities protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and by the Maryland Constitution, but instead desires to enact reasonable time, place and manner regulations that address the adverse secondary effects of adult-oriented businesses.
(2)
The County Council further recognizes that First Amendment rights are among our most precious and highly protected rights, and wishes to act consistently with full protection of those rights. This ordinance is not intended to interfere with legitimate expression but to avoid and mitigate the secondary effects enumerated above.
(3)
The County Council finds that adult oriented businesses may and do generate secondary effects which are detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. Among those secondary effects are:
(A)
Prostitution and other sex related offenses;
(B)
Drug use and dealing; and
(C)
Health risks through the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
(4)
The County Council finds that licensing of persons who operate and manage adult oriented businesses and persons who provide adult-oriented entertainment will further the goals of the ordinance by enabling the County to ascertain if an applicant is underage or has engaged in criminal or other behavior of the sort the ordinance is designed to limit. This information will enable the County to allocate law enforcement resources effectively and otherwise protect the community.
(5)
The County Council finds that limiting proximity and contact between adult entertainment performers and patrons promotes the goal of reducing prostitution and other casual sexual conduct and the attendant risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
(6)
The County Council finds that the harmful secondary effects of adult oriented businesses are more pronounced when conducted continuously or during late night hours.
(7)
The County Council finds that Prince George's County continues to experience a high demand for public safety services at and adjacent to adult entertainment premises.
(8)
The County Council finds that certain activities occurring on premises offering adult entertainment are disruptive to commercial and residential communities that they adjoin, and are otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens and residents of the County.
(9)
The Council also finds that it has substantial public interest in preserving societal order by the regulation of adult-oriented businesses.
(10)
The fees established for licenses and permits in this ordinance are based on the estimated cost of implementation, administration and enforcement of the licensing program.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2601 (2026)
Sec. 5-2601. DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The following definitions apply in this Division:
(1)
Adult Entertainment means any exhibition, performance or dance of any type conducted in a premises where such exhibition, performance or dance involves a person who:
(A)
Is unclothed or in such attire, costume or clothing as to expose to view any portion of the breast below the top of the areola or any portion of the pubic region, anus, buttocks, vulva or genitals; or
(B)
Touches, caresses or fondles the breasts, buttocks, anus, genitals or pubic region of another person, or permits the touching, caressing or fondling of his/her own breasts, buttocks, anus, genitals or pubic region by another person, with the intent to sexually arouse or excite another person.
(2)
Adult entertainment premises means any premises to which the public, patrons or members are invited or admitted and wherein an entertainer provides adult entertainment to a member of the public, a patron, or a member.
(3)
Chief means the Chief of Police or the Chief's designee.
(4)
Department means the Prince George's County Police Department.
(5)
Employee means any and all persons, including managers, entertainer and independent contractor, who work in or at or render any services directly related to, the operation of adult entertainment premises.
(6)
Entertainer means any person who provides adult entertainment within an adult entertainment premises as defined in this Section, whether or not a fee is charged or accepted for entertainment.
(7)
Entertainment means any exhibition or dance of any type, pantomime, modeling or any other performance.
(8)
Manager means any person who manages, directs, administers, or is in charge of, the affairs and/or conduct of any portion of any activity involving adult entertainment occurring at any adult entertainment premises.
(9)
Natural person means any individual.
(10)
Operator means any person operating, conducting or maintaining an adult entertainment business.
(11)
Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, marital community, joint venture, governmental entity, or other entity or group of persons however organized.
(12)
Public place means any area generally visible to public view and includes streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plaza, parks, driveways, parking lots, and automobiles whether moving or not.
(13)
Reckless or recklessly means a person knows or should know of and disregards a substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur and his or her disregard of such substantial risk is a gross deviation from conduct that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2602 (2026)
Sec. 5-2602. Adult entertainment premises licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Beginning October 16, 2006, it shall be unlawful for a person to operate or maintain an adult entertainment premises in Prince George's County unless the owner, operator or lessee thereof has obtained from the Chief a license to do so, to be designated an "adult entertainment premises".
(b)
Beginning October 16, 2006, it shall be unlawful for any entertainer, employee or manager to knowingly work in or about, or to knowingly perform any service or entertainment directly related to the operation of, an unlicensed adult entertainment premises.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2603 (2026)
Sec. 5-2603. License for managers and entertainersLinkCopy Citation
Beginning October 16, 2006, it shall be unlawful for any person to work as an entertainer or manager at an adult entertainment premises without having first obtained from the Chief a license to do so, to be designated as an "adult entertainer's license" or an "adult entertainment manager's license," respectively.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2604 (2026)
Sec. 5-2604. License feesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The license year for all fees required under this Division shall be from January 1st to December 31st. All license fees shall be payable on an annual basis, which fees shall be as follows:
(1)
Adult entertainment premises license, Six Hundred Fifty Dollars ($650.00) per year;
(2)
Adult entertainer's license, Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per year;
(3)
Adult entertainment manager's license, Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per year.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2605 (2026)
Sec. 5-2605. License applicationsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Adult entertainment premises license. All applications for an adult entertainment premises license shall be submitted in the name of the person proposing to conduct such adult entertainment on the premises and shall be signed by such person. All applications shall be submitted on a form supplied by the Chief, and shall require the following information:
(1)
The name, residence address, home telephone number, date and place of birth of the applicant;
(2)
The business name, address and telephone number of the establishment;
(3)
The names, residence addresses, residence telephone numbers, and dates of birth of any partners, corporate officers and directors;
(4)
Addresses of the applicant for the five (5) calendar years immediately prior to the date of the application;
(5)
A description of the adult entertainment or similar business history of the applicant; whether such person or entity, in previously operating in this or another city, county or state, has had a business license revoked or suspended, the reason therefor, and the activity or occupation subjected to such action, suspension or revocation;
(6)
A description of the business, occupation, or employment of the applicant for the three (3) calendar years immediately preceding the date of the application;
(7)
Such license application shall include the name of at least one (1) natural person whose name and mailing address, which shall be an address located within the State of Maryland, shall appear on the adult entertainment premises license and who shall receive notices from the Department.
(8)
Any failure to provide the information required in this Subsection will constitute an incomplete application. An incomplete application will not be processed. The application and any fee paid with the application will be returned to the applicant within five (5) working days after submission.
(b)
Manager's or Entertainer's License. All applications for an adult entertainment manager's license or adult entertainer's license shall be signed by the applicant. All applications shall be submitted on a form supplied by the Chief, and shall require the following information:
(1)
The applicant's name, home address, home telephone number, date and place of birth and any stage or names or nicknames used in entertaining;
(2)
The name and address of each business at which the applicant intends to work as a manager or entertainer;
(3)
The applicant shall present documentation that he or she has attained the age of eighteen (18) years. Any of the following shall be accepted as documentation of age:
(A)
A motor vehicle operator's license issued by any state bearing the applicant's photograph and date of birth;
(B)
A state-issued identification card bearing the applicant's photograph and date of birth;
(C)
An official passport issued by the United States of America;
(D)
An immigration card issued by the United States of America; or
(E)
Any other picture identification issued by a governmental agency bearing the applicant's photograph and date of birth.
(4)
Failure to provide information required by this Subsection will constitute an incomplete application. An incomplete application will not be processed. The application and any fee paid with the application will be returned to the applicant within five (5) working days after submission.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2606 (2026)
Sec. 5-2606. License—Other County approvalsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
At least fifteen (15) working days prior to submitting an application for an adult entertainment premises license, the applicant must also submit the following plans to the Chief for review and approval by the County:
(1)
A proposed security plan;
(2)
A proposed traffic management and parking plan;
(3)
A proposed parking lot lighting plan;
(4)
A proposed life safety evaluation of the space involved, prepared by a fire protection engineer, if the calculated occupant load exceeds two hundred fifty (250) persons; and
(5)
A copy of the approved Use and Occupancy permit for the premises.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2607 (2026)
Sec. 5-2607. License—Applicant review and evaluationLinkCopy Citation
The Chief shall review each application for compliance with the requirements of Sections 5-2605 and 5-2606.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2608 (2026)
Sec. 5-2608. Issuance of licensesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Within five (5) working days after a completed application is submitted, the Chief shall issue the applicable license or licenses authorized by this Division if the Chief finds:
(1)
That the business for which a license is required herein will be conducted in a building, structure and location which complies with the requirements and meets the standards of the applicable health, zoning, building, fire and safety laws of the State and applicable County ordinances, as well as the requirements of this Division;
(2)
That the applicant, his or her employees, agents, partners, directors, officers, stockholders or managers have not knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material fact in the application for a license, or in any report or record required to be filed with the Chief; and
(3)
That all natural persons, including the applicant, all employees, agents, partners, directors, officers, or managers of the applicant have attained the age of eighteen (18) years.
(b)
If the Chief denies an application, the Chief shall provide the reason(s) for denial in writing within five (5) working days after submission of a complete application. If the reason for denial is that the application is incomplete, the Chief shall identify the portions of the application that are incomplete.
(c)
Upon request of an applicant for an entertainer or manager license, and upon the payment of an additional fee of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) for each duplicate license, the Chief shall issue one (1) or more duplicate licenses for use at one (1) or more adult entertainment premises.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2609 (2026)
Sec. 5-2609. Standards of conduct and operationLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The following standards of conduct must be adhered to by employees of any adult entertainment premises:
(1)
No employee or entertainer shall be unclothed, clothed in less than opaque attire, or shall move or remove such attire, or allow such attire to be moved or removed so as to expose to view any portion of the breast below the top of the areola or any portion of the pubic region, anus, buttocks, vulva or genitals, except upon a stage at least eighteen inches (18") above the immediate floor level and removed at least six feet (6') from the nearest patron.
(2)
No employee or entertainer shall perform acts of or acts which simulate:
(A)
Sexual intercourse, masturbation, sodomy, bestiality, oral copulation, flagellation, or any sexual acts which are prohibited by law;
(B)
The touching, caressing or fondling of the breasts, buttocks or genitals; or
(C)
The displaying of the pubic region, anus, vulva or genitals; except as provided for in Subsection (a) of this Section.
(3)
No employee or entertainer mingling with the patrons shall be unclothed or in less than opaque and complete attire, costume or clothing as described in Subsection (a) of this Section.
(4)
No employee or entertainer shall knowingly:
(A)
Touch, caress or fondle the breast, buttocks, anus, genitals or pubic region of another person; or
(B)
Permit the touching, caressing or fondling of his or her own breasts, buttocks, anus, genitals or pubic region by another person; or
(C)
Permit any person upon the premises to touch, caress, or fondle the breasts, buttocks, anus, genitals or pubic region of another person.
(5)
No manager or operator shall knowingly permit any person upon the premises to touch, caress, or fondle the breasts, buttocks, anus, genitals or pubic region of another person.
(6)
No employee or entertainer shall wear or use any device or covering exposed to view which simulates the breast below the top of the areola, vulva or genitals, anus, buttocks, or any portion of the pubic region.
(7)
No employee or entertainer shall use artificial devices or inanimate objects to depict any of the prohibited activities described in this Section.
(8)
No entertainer of any adult entertainment premises shall be visible from any public place during the hours of his or her employment, or apparent hours of his or her employment, on the premises.
(9)
No entertainer shall solicit, demand or receive any payment or gratuity from any patron for any act prohibited by this chapter.
(10)
No entertainer shall demand or collect any payment or gratuity from any patron for entertainment before its completion.
(11)
A sign shall be conspicuously displayed in the common area of the premises, and shall read as follows:
| "THIS ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENT IS REGULATED BY PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND. ENTERTAINERS ARE: (1) Not permitted to engage in any type of sexual conduct; (2) No employee or entertainer shall be unclothed, clothed in less than opaque attire, or shall move or remove such attire, or allow such attire to be moved or removed so as to expose to view any portion of the breast below the top of the areola or any portion of the pubic region, anus, buttocks, vulva or genitals, except upon a stage at least eighteen inches (18") above the immediate floor level and removed at least six feet (6') from the nearest patron. (3) Not permitted to demand or collect any payment or gratuity from any patron for entertainment before its completion." |
(b)
At any adult entertainment premises, the following are required:
(1)
Neither the performance nor any photograph, drawing, sketch or other pictorial or graphic representation thereof displaying any portion of the breasts below the top of the areola or any portion of the pubic hair, buttocks, genitals and/or anus may be visible outside of the adult entertainment premises.
(2)
Sufficient lighting shall be provided in and about the parts of the premises which are open to and used by the public so that all objects are plainly visible at all times.
(3)
No entertainment shall be provided in any areas from which any other person may be prevented from entering, whether by a locking door or in any other manner.
(4)
Good order must be maintained within a perimeter established by the licensing authority not to exceed five hundred (500) feet from the establishment, including but not limited to litter cleanup within the designated perimeter.
(5)
Each establishment shall provide private security during operating hours for the safety of the patrons of the establishment.
(6)
The use of pyrotechnics in a licensed establishment is prohibited.
(7)
Noise levels shall not exceed fifty (50) decibels at the closest part of any residential property that is adjacent to the facility between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.
(8)
The dance license requirements in Division 14 of this Subtitle shall apply if an establishment allows public dancing.
(c)
This Division shall not be construed to prohibit protected expression, such as:
(1)
Plays, operas, musicals, or other dramatic works that are not obscene;
(2)
Classes, seminars and lectures held for serious scientific or educational purposes that are not obscene; or
(3)
Exhibitions, performances, expressions or dances that are not obscene.
(d)
For purposes of this Division, an activity is "obscene" if:
(1)
Taken as a whole by an average person applying contemporary community standards the activity appeals to a prurient interest in sex;
(2)
The activity depicts patently offensive representations, as measured against community standards, of:
(A)
Ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated; or
(B)
Masturbation, fellatio, cunnilingus, bestiality, excretory function, or lewd exhibition of the genitals or genital areas; or violent or destructive sexual acts, including but not limited to human or animal mutilation, dismemberment, rape or torture; and
(3)
The activity taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
(e)
No manager, owner, entertainer or employee shall operate or maintain any warning procedures or device, or any nature or kind, for the purposes of warning any other person that police officers or County health, fire, licensing or building inspectors are approaching or have entered the adult entertainment premises.
(f)
It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions of this Section.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2610 (2026)
Sec. 5-2610. License-Posting and displayLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Every adult entertainer shall post his or her license in his or her work area so it is readily available for inspection by County authorities responsible for enforcement of this Division.
(b)
Every person, corporation, partnership, or association licensed under this Division as an adult entertainment premises or adult entertainment manager shall post such license in a conspicuous place and manner on the licensed premises.
(c)
Each manager and/or operator shall be responsible for maintaining a daily log, on a form provided by the Chief, of all employees, entertainers, and managers working at the adult entertainment premises each day. The log shall list the employee's, entertainer's and manager's name as it is listed on his or her license, license number, stage name, if any, the time he or she arrived at the adult entertainment premises, and the time he or she left the adult entertainment premises. Each employee, entertainer and manager shall sign his or her name in the daily log each time he or she arrives and leaves the adult entertainment premises.
(d)
It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions of this Section.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2611 (2026)
Sec. 5-2611. Manager on premisesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A licensed manager shall be on duty at an adult entertainment premises during the adult entertainment premises' hours of operation. The name of the manager on duty shall be prominently posted during business hours.
(b)
Any adult entertainment premises found to be operating without a manager on duty shall be closed immediately until a licensed manager arrives for duty at the adult entertainment premises pursuant to Subsection (a) of this Section.
(c)
The manager shall verify that each entertainer performing while the manager is on duty possesses a current and valid entertainer's license, as required by this chapter. The manager shall verify that such adult entertainment license is posted in the manner required by Section 5-2610.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2612 (2026)
Sec. 5-2612. Hours of operationLinkCopy Citation
It is unlawful for any adult entertainment premises to be conducted, operated, or otherwise open to the public between the hours of one A.M. (1:00 A.M.) and ten A.M. (10:00 A.M.).
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2613 (2026)
Sec. 5-2613. Persons under eighteen (18) years of age prohibitedLinkCopy Citation
(a)
It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to be in or upon any premises for which an adult entertainment premises license is required. Only the following types of identification will be accepted as proof of age:
(1)
A motor vehicle operator's license issued by any state, bearing the applicant's photograph and date of birth;
(2)
A state-issued identification card bearing the applicant's photograph and date of birth;
(3)
An official passport issued by the United States of America;
(4)
An immigration card issued by the United States of America; or
(5)
Any other picture identification bearing the applicant's photograph and date of birth by a governmental agency.
(b)
It is unlawful for any owner, operator, manager, or other person in charge of a premises for which an adult entertainment premises license is required, to knowingly permit or allow any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to be in or upon such premises.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2614 (2026)
Sec. 5-2614. Suspension or revocation of premises licenseLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In addition to the reasons set forth in this Division as now or hereinafter amended, an adult entertainment premises license may be suspended or revoked upon a finding by the Chief that:
(1)
The licensee permitted or authorized his or her employees, agents, entertainers or managers to violate any of the provisions of this Division; or
(2)
The adult entertainment manager permitted or authorized any violation of any of the provisions of this Division by any person.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2615 (2026)
Sec. 5-2615. Appeals from determinations of ChiefLinkCopy Citation
Any person aggrieved by an act or determination of the Chief pursuant to this Division, including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of any license, may appeal such act or determination to the Prince George's County Board of Administrative Appeals within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of notice of the act or determination of the Chief. If the Chief has conducted a hearing and issued an order, the Board of Administrative Appeals shall review the record of the proceedings before the Chief. The Board may reverse, modify or remand the decision of the Chief only if the decision of the Chief is clearly erroneous, or arbitrary and capricious, or unsupported by any substantial evidence.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5-2616 (2026)
Sec. 5-2616. Appeals from the Board of Administrative AppealsLinkCopy Citation
Any party aggrieved by a decision of the Board of Appeals pursuant to Section 5-2615 herein may appeal that decision to the Circuit Court for Prince George's County, Maryland. The appeal shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of Title 7 Maryland Rules of Procedure.