Business Resources

Resources for Nightlife Businesses in New Orleans

Whether you're opening a new bar, managing a music venue, or operating a late-night restaurant, running a nightlife business in New Orleans comes with unique opportunities and responsibilities. This page offers practical tools, templates, and guidance to help you succeed, stay compliant, and contribute to a safe and vibrant nighttime economy.

Explore individual resources below or download the full Nightlife Business Best Practice Guide for a comprehensive overview of permits, policies, and best practices.

New! New Orleans Nightlife Business Best Practice Guide

The Nightlife Business Best Practice Guide is your comprehensive go-to resource for navigating city processes, building strong community relationships, and creating a safe, successful experience for patrons and staff alike. Whether you're opening a new bar or leveling up an existing venue, this guide offers practical tips, permitting advice, and policy insights tailored to nightlife operations in New Orleans.

Who Should Use This Guide?

Nightlife Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Bar & Venue Managers
Hospitality Operators

Key Highlights

How to Open a Nightlife Business: Step-by-step guidance on permits, inspections, and licenses specific to nightlife operations.
Sample Business Plans: Real examples and fill-in-the-blank templates for bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
Safety & Harm Reduction Tips: Best practices for keeping your patrons and staff safe, including Narcan administration and overdose prevention.
Sound, Parking, and Public Safety: Recommendations to minimize conflicts, ensure accessibility, and operate in compliance with local laws.
Resilience Planning: Checklists and preparedness strategies to help your business stay strong through hurricanes and other disruptions.

Download the Nightlife Business Best Practice Guide (PDF)

Nightlife Business How-To Guides

These step-by-step guides and tools are designed to make that process easier—whether you're launching a restaurant, operating a pop-up, or exploring an additional use for your existing business. Use them as standalone resources or in tandem with the full Nightlife Business Best Practice Guide.

How to Open a Restaurant in New Orleans (PDF)

Sample Restaurant Business Plan (PDF)

Additional Use Guide (PDF)

Nightlife Business Glossary (PDF)

Sound Management Best Practice Guide

Managing sound is crucial for maintaining a harmonious relationship with your neighbors while providing an excellent experience for your patrons. Our Sound Management Best Practice guide aims to help businesses avoid noise complaints and enhance the quality of all types of amplified sound. Explore effective strategies to improve the sound experience in your establishment while staying compliant with local noise regulations.

Who Should Use This Guide?

Venue Owners & Managers
Bar & Restaurant Owners
DJs and Performers
Sound Engineers

Key Highlights

Noise Control Strategies: Implement practical measures to minimize sound leaking outside your venue and reduce noise complaints.
Sound Quality Optimization: Learn how to set up your sound system for clarity and balance, ensuring patrons enjoy a high-quality auditory experience.
Compliance with Local Laws: Understand the regulations surrounding sound levels in nightlife areas and avoid costly fines or complaints.

Download the Sound Management Guide (PDF)

Additional Sound Management Resources

NIOSH sound level app

Apply for Live Entertainment Permits

If you have any questions or need further assistance in managing sound at your venue, reach out to the Office of Nighttime Economy at nighttime@nola.gov.

Business Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

This checklist is designed to help business prepare for storms in a clear, step-by-step manner. It provides a series of actions to take before, during, and after a storm, organized by the time frame in relation to the storm’s arrival. By following these checklists, you can ensure that your safety measures are in place well in advance and that you’re prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Each section includes blank lines so you can customize the checklists to meet the needs of your business.

Download the Business Hurricane Preparedness Checklist (PDF)

City of New Orleans Nightlife Safety Resource Guide

Click here to download the CNO Nightlife Safety Resource Guide (PDF)

Music Business Plans

As a part of O.N.E.'s music business professional development series, the Music Census Sessions, we have created a series of resources including music business plans and samples.

Musician Business Plan Template (PDF)

Promoter Business Plan Template (PDF)

Street Performer Guidelines

Download the Street Performer Guide (PDF)

Good Parking Practices

Practicing safe parking is essential to keeping our nighttime (and daytime!) economy rolling smoothly. By following New Orleans parking rules, you will not only avoid tickets or being towed, but you will also ensure that emergency service vehicles are able to get where they need to go and local businesses are looked after.