New policy for licensing of sex establishments consultation

About the licensing of sex establishments: statement of licensing policy

The Policing and Crime Act 2009 amended the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 section 2 and Schedule 3 to introduce a new classification of sex establishment, namely sexual entertainment venues. This includes lap dancing, pole dancing and other "relevant entertainment".

The legislation provides for local authorities to adopt a policy and standard conditions relating to sexual entertainment venues, sex shops and sex cinemas.

On 26 September 2014, Herefordshire Council resolved to adopt Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009. This applies to the whole area of the county of Herefordshire.

We are mindful of possible concerns of the local community and that there can be conflict between applicants and objectors. The policy will guide us when considering applications for licences in balancing the conflicting needs of commercial interests, patrons, employees, residents and communities.

We have had regard to what is appropriate for the licensing authority's locality as referred to in paragraph 3.32 of the Home Office Guidance on Sexual Entertainment Venues (March 2010). Any application for a sexual entertainment venue will be received and considered on its individual merits.

We intend to adopt this document as the policy and standard conditions to be applied when determining sex establishment licences within Herefordshire.

We asked for your views

We sought your views on the policy.

The consultation closed on 24 March 2024.

What happens next

We will make a table of the comments received. We will not share your personal details with any other parties and will redact any information which may identify you.

We will review all comments received and consider whether to amend the policy.

The final policy has now been approved by committee.