What Are Regulated Industries?
Regulated Industries is the Kansas City, Missouri division responsible for licensing and monitoring businesses that require additional oversight for public safety. This includes liquor, tobacco, vehicle-for-hire services, entertainment venues, recycling operations, and other regulated industries. The division ensures compliance with City ordinances, zoning rules, and safety requirements.
Find more information on the Regulated Industries City page .
What Regulated Industries Covers
Liquor Licensing
Businesses that sell, serve, manufacture, distribute, or cater alcohol within Kansas City must obtain the appropriate licenses and comply with local, county, and state regulations. This includes restaurants, bars, liquor stores, breweries, wholesalers, caterers, nonprofit events, and special event operators.
Find information on license applications, renewals, operating requirements, server training, special permits, and compliance resources needed to lawfully conduct alcohol-related business activities on the Alcohol-Related Licenses page .
Tobacco Licensing
Tobacco licenses are required for selling cigarettes and selling stamps. This includes annual cigarette tax stamps and the Cigarette License Application.
Find information on cigarette licensing on the Regulated Industries City page .
Kratom Licensing
Businesses that sell kratom products within Kansas City must obtain a Kratom Retail License and comply with City regulations governing the sale, storage, labeling, and distribution of kratom products. Requirements include age verification for customers 21 and older, product packaging and labeling standards, recordkeeping, and restrictions on prohibited products.
Find information on licensing requirements, compliance standards, inspections, and operational responsibilities for kratom retailers operating within city limits in the Kratom Retail Licensing Ordinance . Applications can be submitted online through CompassKC .
Adult Entertainment Businesses
Licenses are required for businesses such as strip clubs and retail businesses selling pornographic or adult-oriented items.
Find more information on the Adult Entertainment Licenses page .
Vehicle-for-Hire Businesses
Businesses and individuals providing passenger transportation services within Kansas City must obtain the appropriate permits and certifications before operating. This program oversees licensing for taxicabs, livery vehicles, pedicabs, sightseeing vehicles, and horse-drawn carriages, including vehicle inspections, driver certification, safety requirements, background checks, and ongoing compliance with City regulations.
Find more information on the Other Regulated Industries Division Licenses and Permits page .
Other Regulated Industries
Certain businesses operating within Kansas City are subject to additional licensing and regulatory requirements under City ordinances. This category includes day labor establishments, amusement and entertainment venues, carnivals and special events, metal recycling and salvage operations, short-term loan establishments, waste tire businesses, and other regulated activities.
Find information on permit applications, operating requirements, inspections, and compliance standards necessary to legally operate these businesses within city limits on the Other Regulated Industries Division Licenses and Permits page .
Towing
Regulated Industries oversees towing services operating within Kansas City, including regulations for non-consensual tows from private property. This includes information on maximum towing, storage, and retrieval fees, stolen vehicle recovery fees, and consumer protections designed to ensure fair towing practices and compliance with City ordinances.
Find more information on the Regulated Industries City page .
How to Apply
Step 1. Obtain a Business License
A business license is needed before applying for regulated industry licenses. You can apply for a business license in one of the following ways:
- Use the QuickTax system for online business license registration. If you have questions about the QuickTax system or specific business license questions, call (816) 513-1120, ext. 3. Processing typically takes 7-10 business days.
- Fill out the RD-100 Registration Application and fax or mail it using the information on the form. Processing typically takes 7-10 business days.
- Visit City Hall at 414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106, Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to get your license issued on the spot.
Step 2. Apply for Your Required Permit
You can apply for your specific permit or license in one of the following ways:
- Apply online through CompassKC by searching for the required permit, such as Retail Liquor by the Drink, Cigarette Retail License, or Salvage Yard.
- Apply in person at 635 Woodland Ave., Suite 2101, Kansas City, MO 64106. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Closed weekends and City holidays.
Liquor License Application Process
Businesses seeking to sell, serve, manufacture, distribute, or cater alcohol in Kansas City must complete a licensing review through the Regulated Industries Division. The process includes application submission, document review, neighborhood notification, regulatory review, and final approval before a license can be issued.
More information is available on the Alcohol-Related Licenses page .
Most complete applications can expect a review period of approximately 45-60 days, although applications requiring additional information, corrections, neighborhood review, or appeals may take longer. This timeframe is an estimate and may vary based on the complexity of the application.
Review and approval process includes:
- Verification that the location is eligible for liquor licensing
- Evaluation of sales-by-drink, package, Sunday sales, and extended-hours eligibility
- Density and location studies to assess compatibility with the surrounding area
- Notification of eligible neighboring property owners and, when required, a neighborhood voting process
- Review of potential license conditions or restrictions
- Coordination with the Fire Marshal and Health Department
- Final review by the Regulated Industries Division
Before a license is issued:
- All required documents and fees must be submitted
- Any contingency items must be resolved
- Required state approvals must be obtained
- All agency reviews must be completed without objection
The Regulated Industries Division will then determine whether the proposed license meets City requirements and whether the operation is likely to interfere with or be detrimental to the surrounding community before issuing final approval.
Contact Regulated Industries
Regulated Industries Division
635 Woodland Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-513-4560
Email: RegulatedIndustries@kcmo.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM