The City of Reno is asking for public input on its live entertainment regulations through a series of virtual meetings and an online survey, as city staff gather feedback to present at a future Reno City Council meeting.
The request follows a presentation at the June 11 Reno City Council meeting, where staff outlined the current zoning code standards for live entertainment. Council members directed staff to engage with the public on specific issues before moving forward with any recommendations.
“We understand that live entertainment is a top priority for local businesses looking to provide more engaging experiences for their customers,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “It’s important that our community members share their perspectives on the matter, and we encourage everyone to participate in these virtual feedback meetings.”
Live entertainment, defined as activities such as singing, dancing, trivia nights, karaoke, and similar events, has been subject to evolving regulations over the years.
Differences between older and newer venues have created inconsistencies, as many long-established bars and nightclubs are allowed to operate without restrictions, while newer venues are subject to conditions outlined in a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
These inconsistencies have made enforcement difficult, prompting the city to evaluate whether the rules should be updated.
Key topics up for community input include whether live entertainment after 11 p.m. should continue to require a CUP, whether the current requirement for a security plan should vary based on business type, and whether the City should implement stricter enforcement, potentially including the loss of a Cabaret License for violations.
The city is also inviting general feedback on what aspects of the current regulations are effective or in need of change.
Three virtual community meetings will be held:
- Monday, September 29 at 9 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 30 at 12 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 2 at 6 p.m.
All meetings will be conducted virtually and recordings will be available on the City of Reno’s website. For those unable to attend, feedback can also be submitted through the Live Entertainment Input Form.
More information on the current zoning code is available in the City’s Annexation and Land Development Code handbook, with live entertainment standards listed in Section 18.03.405(k).
