Sex establishment licensing

Sex establishments are licensed under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. A sex establishment can either be a sex shop, a sex cinema or a sexual entertainment venue. To run a sex establishment, you will need to be licensed by us.

You should read our guidance and conditions before you submit an application.

Definition of a sex shop

A sex shop means any premises, vehicle, vessel, or stall used for business that consists to a significant degree of selling, hiring, exchanging, lending, displaying or demonstrating sex articles.

Definition of a sex cinema

A sex cinema is any premises used to a significant degree for the showing of films which are concerned primarily with, or relate to, or are intended to stimulate sexual activity.

Definition of a sexual entertainment venue

A sexual entertainment venue means any premises at which a live display of nudity or live performance which is intended to stimulate sexual activity is provided before a live audience for the financial gain of the organiser or entertainer.

Check a licence

You can check to see whether a premises is licensed as a sex establishment.