PPA - Public Place of Amusement

License Information

A Public Place of Amusement License (PPA) is required if an establishment offers entertainment whether or not a cover charge or admission fee is required for entrance. Examples of entertainment are: theater, live acts, live music, dancing, two or more pool tables, less than four automatic amusement devices; provided, however, that when calculating the number of automatic amusement devices, jukeboxes shall not be counted. A pool or billiard table shall be included when calculating the number of automatic amusement devices if players must pay to use the pool or billiard table.

Please review the Chicago Municipal Code, Chapter 4-156 for further information.

Fee:

Number of Patrons	Price
1 - 350	$770
351 - 500	$1,100
501 - 750	$1,650
751 - 1000	$2,200
1001 -2000	$3,300
2001 - 3000	$4,400
3001 - 4000	$6,600
Over 4000	$13,200

Municipal Code Reference: 4-156
Inspections: Zoning, Fire, Criminal History Review, Buildings - Special Inspection Program, Electrical, Plumbing, Ventilation, Onsite Inspection

If you plan to serve liquor at your establishment, see the applicable liquor license page.
If you plan to offer music and dancing to people under 21, please see the Juice Bar (PPA) License page.

Effective January 1, 2009, all individuals applying for a business license that requires applicants to undergo a criminal background check will be charged a cost recovery fee of $40.00, per person, for the service of fingerprinting.

Potential Taxes

Amusement Tax
Automatic Amusement Device Tax
Employer's Expense Tax
Fountain Soft Drink Tax
Liquor Tax
Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax
Use Tax for Non-Titled Personal Property

For specific business tax information see Taxes.

Disclaimer:The information on this page is intended to provide general licensing and tax information for City of Chicago business owners. The above listed taxes are those typically remitted by licensees engaging in this specific type of business. However, because every business is different, there may be additional taxes that you may be required to collect and/or remit. Please refer to the complete Tax List to determine which taxes apply to your business activity. Nothing contained within these pages shall to any extent substitute for the independent investigations and the sound technical and business judgment of the business owner.