Licence |
Sex Establishment Licence |
Summary |
To operate a sex establishment you need a licence from the local authority.
A sex establishment means a:
If you wish to make any amendments to an existing licence you must submit an application to vary the licence. |
Fee |
New
Renewal
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Validity/Renewals |
Unless a shorter period is specifically stated, all licences will be granted for one year and renewed annually. |
Eligibility Criteria |
An applicant:
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Application |
Applications must be in writing (including by electronic means) and must include:
Applicants must also:
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Application Form |
An online application form is currently being developed.
Renewal forms will be sent automatically to licensees before their current licence expires. |
Consultation |
On receipt of a valid application we will consult with:
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Objections |
Anyone wishing to make an objection to an application must give written notice of their objection to Licensing Services, stating the grounds of the objection, within 28 days of the date of the application. |
Evaluation |
We must allow 28 days for objections to be made. If any objections are received, the application will be referred to the Council’s Licensing Committee for determination. When considering an application for a sex establishment licence we will take into account:
There is no statutory period for determining applications; however, we aim to determine applications within 60 days. |
Conditions |
Licences are subject to a set of standard conditions. The Council may also add conditions specific to your establishment if it considers it necessary. |
Tacit Consent |
Tacit consent applies. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the 60 day target completion period. |
Right of Appeal |
Please contact Licensing Services in the first instance. If you wish to appeal a Council decision, you can apply to Bath Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of being notified of the decision. A decision of the Magistrates’ Court can be appealed to the Crown Court. However, the right to appeal does not apply if the licence was refused on the grounds that:
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Customer Complaints |
If you have a complaint about a trader, we would advise you first to contact the trader – preferably by letter with proof of delivery. If that is unsuccessful and you are in the UK, the Citizens Advice Bureau will assist you. If you are outside of the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre. If you believe a sex establishment does not have a licence or is operating in breach of its licence, please contact Licensing Services. |
Guidance |
Sexual Entertainment Venues Policy Please contact Licensing Services for further guidance. |
Relevant Legislation |
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Trade Associations |
None |
Further Information |
For further information and guidance please phone Licensing Services on 01225 477531 or email licensing@bathnes.gov.uk. |