I think it depends on the function that the permission access provides. If permission use is core to the app (like your app is a map with a dot for the user's location that has no other functionality like business searching), then, you're probably allowed to just sit there with an empty map doing nothing until the user consents.

If location access is peripheral to the core function of the app, it's a different story. Like your Yelp and one of many functions of your app is to "search nearby" then you can't just have a screen that does nothing until the user consents.

EDIT: Yes, for OP's use case, you'd just appeal to Apple and prove that the app has no other purpose besides the use case that requires location. I've done this in the past successfully.