The Business Licensing Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 aims to amend existing regulations regarding the issuance and renewal of business licenses for entertainment venues, such as theaters and cinemas. Key provisions include modifying the notice requirements to ensure that the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) provides 30 days' notice to the affected Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) before granting or renewing licenses, and mandates that DLCP give great weight to the ANC's recommendations. Additionally, the legislation re-establishes the option for a four-year basic business license, which had been eliminated under the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive Act of 2022 (BEST Act), and allows individuals whose licenses have been expired for more than nine months to renew their licenses upon payment of a fine.

Furthermore, the bill grants the Mayor the authority to issue refunds for erroneously paid business license fees. The amendments are designed to address concerns raised by the business community regarding the potential negative impacts of the BEST Act on local businesses, particularly in the entertainment sector. The proposed changes are intended to streamline the licensing process and support the economic vitality of the District's business environment.