Get a Mechanical Amusement Device permit

You need a Mechanical Amsuement Device permit if you charge your customers to use more than one mechanical game on an ongoing basis.

Examples are video games, pinball machines, or other arcade games.

Before you apply, check with us if the Mechanical Amsuement Device permit is allowed for your location.

You do not need this permit in the following cases:

• Your business is a bar - and - you have only one mechanical amusement device. A “bar” means a business that serves alcoholic beverages to people aged 21 and up to drink on the premises, and that has a state ABC license type 42, 48, or 61.
   
• Your business is not a bar - and - you have no more than 10 mechanical amusement devices.

Email the Deputy Director at kaitlyn.azevedo@sfgov.org to find out if you can get a permit for your location, depending on zoning rules.

Include the following information in your email:

• Your business name
• Your business address
• Your contact info
• The number of mechanical games you plan on having

Wait for further instructions telling you if you can apply.

Get your documents ready

You will need to include these documents in your application:

• Entertainment Commission permit application
• Letter of Intent
• Business registration certificate
• Health Permit to operate from the SF Department of Public Health
• ABC Liquor License, if applicable
• Fire Department’s Place of Assembly Permit, if applicable

Fill out the forms and email the application and supporting documents to: kaitlyn.azevedo@sfgov.org

Applying does not guarantee you will get a permit. We will contact you if there is an issue with your application. 

You'll meet with our Deputy Director. At the meeting we will review the application in full with you and go over the next steps in the permitting process. 

Pay online with a credit card or electronic check.

You can also pay by check or money order. Make payable to “City and County of San Francisco.” 

We collect your permit application fee. Fees are updated every July. 

The Treasurer and Tax Collector bills you separately for the annual license fee.

We send your application packet to City departments for their review and approval. These include the Planning Department, Police Department, and any other relevant City departments, depending on the permit you are applying for. 

You will need to do outreach to your neighbors as discussed at your in-take meeting.

An inspection from other departments may be required. You will be given instructions at your in-take meeting.

Check inspection fees.

Businesses that want to have 11 or more mechanical amusement devices will need to attend a public hearing.

Commissioners may ask you questions about your plans at the hearing. They will vote on whether to approve your permit. 

If you still have inspections that need to happen, you must pass those inspections before receiving the permit.

We will email you a PDF of your permit.

You must post it at your business location. Then you can begin holding the activity that the entertainment permit allows. 

Renew your entertainment permit every year by paying the annual license fee to the Treasurer and Tax Collector.