(a) Every person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of operating, outside the corporate limits of any municipality in this state, a roadhouse, public dance hall, or any other similar establishment by whatever name called, where travelers, transient guests, or other persons are or may be lodged, or operating restaurants, cafes, or places where food or drinks, or both, are sold to be consumed at such places, shall, before engaging in such business, apply for and obtain a license from the county commissioners or from the judge of the probate court in the county in which such business is to be carried on.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to engage in any business described in this Code section without first obtaining a license therefor. Any person violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.