Sex establishments

Sex establishments must be licensed under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2009.

A sex establishment includes a:

• sex shop (premises selling sex articles)
• sex cinema (premises showing films intended to stimulate sexual activity)
• sexual entertainment venue (premises providing live entertainment for sexual stimulation)

You must have a licence to run a sex establishment.

Costs and fees

Visit the Cumberland Council fees and charges webpage.

Apply for a sex establishment licence

You will need a licence if you:

• run a sex shop that sells sex toys, books or videos
• operate a venue that shows explicit films to the public
• provide live entertainment such as lap dancing or similar

There is an exemption for venues that provide relevant entertainment infrequently.

To apply for a licence you will need to contact the Licensing Manager.

For further information, contact us.

Telephone: 0300 373 3730

Notice of application

You must give notice of your application by:

• advertising your application in the local press
• displaying a notice outside the premises for a set period

After you've applied

The application period is 28 calendar days.

When deciding on an application, we will consider:

• your suitability as an applicant
• whether you are applying on behalf of someone else
• the location and situation of the premises
• the number of sex establishments already in the area

Tacit consent does not apply. We must process your application before it can be granted.

If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, contact us.

Appeals

If your application is refused, you can appeal to the local magistrates’ court within 21 days of being notified.

Appeals do not apply if the:

• number of sex establishments in the area is already at or above our set limit
• location is considered inappropriate

Licence holders can appeal to the magistrates’ court if:

• your application for a new licence or variation is refused
• your licence is revoked
• a term, condition or restriction is imposed or refused

You may also appeal to the Crown Court against a magistrates' court decision.