Sexual Entertainment Venues
With effect from 6 April 2010 local
authorities in England will be able to adopt additional powers to
regulate lap dancing clubs and similar venues.
Section 27 of the Policing & Crime Act
2009 amends Schedule 3 to the Local Government (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act 1982 to introduce a new category of sex
establishment called "Sexual Entertainment Venue" which, if adopted
by a local authority, will require premises in that area who
provide "relevant entertainment", such as lap dancing to obtain a
Sex Establishment Licence. There is an exemption for premises
that provide relevant entertainment on an infrequent basis.
Carlisle City Council adopted this legislation
on 9 November 2010. The Regulatory Panel consulted upon a Sex
Establishment Policy which was adopted on 20 April 2011.
Any licences granted under this legislation will come into
effect on 1 June 2012.
The Home Office has provided guidance for
local authorities regarding sexual entertainment
venues. This guidance will also be of use to operators,
the police and the general public and can be viewed by the
link below: