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)

View our policy for the control of sexual entertainment venues.

• apply online for a sex shop, sex cinema or sexual entertainment venue licence
• apply online to change a sex shop, sex cinema or sexual entertainment licence

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. You will also 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. They 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 charge. This 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. This should preferably be in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, the Citizens Advice Bureau​ will give you advice on their website here.

Licence holders may at any time apply to the authority for a variation of the terms, conditions, or restrictions in their licence.

If your application for a variation is denied or if your licence is revoked, you have 21 days from the notification to appeal the decision to the local magistrate's 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 here.