Sex Establishment Licence

A Sex Establishment Licence allows the holder to operate a Sex Shop, Sex Cinema and Sexual Entertainment Venue

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Authority
Local council
Duration
28 days (varies depending on local authority)
Cost
£3,500
Valid For
1 year
Qualification Needed
N/A
STEPS TO GET LICENSED
Submit application via local council
  • Visit - www.gov.uk/sex-shop-and-cinema-licence
  • Have eligibility requirements
  • Submit requested documentation
Implement public notice of application
  • Advertise application by means of a notice displayed at premises for 21 consecutive days
  • Publish notice of application in a local newspaper within 7 days of making the application
Get Licensed
Icon 1

Unlimited exam retakes till you Pass

Icon 2

Get your exam results the same day

Icon 3

Full refund if you don't pass. Terms apply

Icon 4

95% pass rate

Have a question? We have answers

If you planning to open a sex establishment, such as a sex shop, sex cinema or sexual entertainment venue, you will require a sex establishment licence from the council.

A sex establishment is defined as either a sex shop, sex cinema or a sexual entertainment venue.

Applicants for sex establishment licences must be over 18, and not be disqualified from holding a licence (for example, because they have been refused a licence in the previous 12 months, unless that refusal was subsequently overturned on appeal).

When considering an application for a sex establishment licence, the local authority will 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 premise in relation to other premises in the area (it's near a school, place of worship or family shopping area)

Trading during the application period is not permitted.

If a licence is granted, the holder may carry on the permitted activities at the premises for a period of one year. The licence must be renewed towards the end of this period if it is intended to continue providing the activities.

Premises which provide sexual entertainment on an infrequent basis, may apply for a temporary event notice. 

Any applicant who is refused a licence, or refused the renewal of a licence, may appeal to the local magistrates' court, within 21 days of being notified of the refusal.

if you operate a sex establishment without a licence, fail to comply with licence conditions or admit persons under 18, then you are committing an offence Penalties upon conviction can range from £1,000 to £20,000.

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