Sex shops, sex cinemas and sexual entertainment venues
It is a statutory requirement that sex establishments are licensed by the Council.
We licence 3 types of sex establishment:
- sex shops
- sex cinemas
- sexual entertainment venues (lap dancing clubs)
We have developed a
policy for the control of sexual entertainment venues.
To apply by post or in person please complete the
application form and return it to the Licensing Office. Details of the information you need to include with your application are on the form.
Advertising
You will need to advertise your application in the local newspaper for one night only and you will need to allow 28 days for objections to made to the Licensing Office.
Considering your application
All applications must be presented to our Licensing Committee who will consider the application on the following grounds:
- Suitability of the applicant
- Whether the establishment would exceed the number the Council considers appropriate for the area
- How the location of the establishment would relate to other premises in the area.
- Whether the applicant is acting as a front for someone else.
It is an offence to operate a sex establishment without a licence. Anyone who fails to meet the conditions of a licence or admits people under 18 will be subject to a penalty which can range between £1,000 and £20,000
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, the
Citizens Advice Bureau will give you advice.
Licence holders may at any time apply to the authority for a variation of the terms, conditions or restrictions in their licence.
If an application for a variation is refused, or if the licence is revoked, the licence holder may, within 21 days of being notified of the imposition of, or the refusal to vary, the term, condition or restriction in question, or of the revocation, appeal to the local magistrates court.
A licence holder may also appeal to the crown court against a decision of a magistrates' court.
Online Register
If you wish to see further information on licences granted you can view these on the
online register