Skip to main content

Sex establishment licence

Skip to contents of guide

If you have any concerns about children's safety or safeguarding in any sex establishments, you can contact us.


Concerns will be assessed and will be dealt with. 

You need a licence to run a sexual entertainment establishment, such as a sex shop, a sex cinema or a sexual entertainment venue.

Licences for sex establishments are granted under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.

Who can apply

To apply for a licence you must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • not be disqualified from holding a licence
  • have been resident in the UK at least 6 months immediately before the application or, if a body corporate, must be incorporated in the UK
  • not have been refused the grant or renewal of a licence for the premises within the last 12 months unless the refusal has been reversed on appeal

Before you start

Applications must include:

  • the applicant's name, address and, where the applicant is an individual, their age
  • the full name of the company, its registered or principle address and the full names and addresses of the directors and management
  • the address of the premises and the hours and days when it is intended to trade

How to apply

Complete the application form and return it to:

licensing@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

There are fees involved with this licence:

New Application - Non returnable

  • Sexual Entertainment Venue - £3,325
  • Sex Shop/Cinema - £3,325

Annual Fee

  • Sexual Entertainment Venue - £1,600
  • Sex Shop/Cinema - £1,600

Variations

  • Sexual Entertainment Venue - £1,033
  • Sex Shop/Cinema - £1,033

Minor Variations

  • Sexual Entertainment Venue - £300
  • Sex Shop/Cinema - £300

Have you encountered a problem with this page?