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Sex Establishments - Licence

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Last revised: 9 September 2008

Legislation


Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, sex establishments are required to be licensed.A sex establishment can either be a sex shop or a sex cinema.
A sex shop is a premises used for business which consists to a significant degree of selling sex articles.
A sex cinema is any premises used to a significant degree for showing of films which are concerned primarily with,
or relate to, or are intended to stimulate sexual activity.The law defines the way in which an application is made, which includes advertising notice of the application in the local press and displaying a notice outside the premises for a specific time period to give passers by the opportunity to comment by a statutory closing date. When considering an application for a sex establishment licence the Council may only use the following criteria:

  • The suitability of the applicant;

  • Whether the applicant is a "front" person for someone else;

  • The location and situation of the premises in relation to other premises in the area;

  • Whether the number of sex establisments in that locality is equal to, or exceeds the number which the Council considers appropriate for the area.

New applications

If you wish to discuss an application for a Sex Establishment licence, please contact the Licensing Section on 01380 724911 or email licensing@kennet.gov.uk

Application form

When applying for a Sex Shop Licence, a Notice shall be given by advertising it in a local newspaper, that circulates in the area of the premises, the publication shall not be later than 7 days after the date in which the application was given.  The Notice shall also be advertised on the premises which shall be displayed for 21 days, a copy of that notice also needs to be sent to the Licenisng Department

Notice of Application for a Sex Shop Licence.

Fees & charges 2008/09

The current fees for Sex Establishment licences are :
Initial application -  £600
Renewal (annual) -   £420