Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing introduced a report on proposed updates to the Council’s Sex Establishment Policy.

The Cabinet Member advised that the current policy had been subject to a detailed review to ensure that it was fully reflective of local authority best practice and incorporated the latest legal powers.  A significant new addition to the policy was the adoption of legal provisions to regulate sex entertainment venues, covering lap dancing and striptease venues.

The Cabinet Member advised that the draft policy took the position that there should be a general policy presumption against permitting further licensed sex related activities either adjacent to or in the vicinity of premises in defined areas.  This would include schools, places of worship, hospitals and residential accommodation.

Members welcomed the policy and in particular, the emphasis on the protection of young people.  It was noted that 91% of those who responded to the consultation were in favour of the policy, however the Leader expressed dismay as to how the draft policy was reported upon negatively in the local press.

The Assembly resolved to:

(i)  Adopt the provisions contained in Section 27 of the Policy and Crime Act 2009 extending the local sex establishments licensing regime to also include sex entertainment venues; and

(ii)  Adopt the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy 2019 as set out at Appendix 2 to the report, including the associated Standard Licensing Terms, Conditions and Restrictions for Sex Establishments as set out at Appendix 3 to the report.

The Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety introduced a report on proposed updates to the Council’s Sex Establishment Licensing Policy.

The Cabinet Member advised that the current policy had been subject to a detailed review to ensure that it was fully reflective of local authority best practice and incorporated the latest legal powers.  A significant new addition to the policy was the adoption of legal provisions to regulate sex entertainment venues, covering lap dancing and striptease venues. 

The Cabinet Member referred to the positive feedback from a 10-week consultation carried out during the summer on the Council’s new policy proposals and confirmed that the package of measures would also help in the Council’s endeavours to eliminate modern slavery in the Borough.

Several Members spoke in favour of the new policy and the Leader commented that the new arrangements would support the Council’s aspirations for a vibrant night-time economy while preventing activities that were derogatory and encouraged exploitation.

Cabinet resolved to recommend the Assembly to:

(i)  Adopt the provisions contained in Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 extending the local sex establishments licensing regime to also include sex entertainment venues; and

(ii)  Adopt the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy 2019 as set out at Appendix 2 to the report, including the associated Standard Licensing Terms, Conditions and Restrictions for Sex Establishments as set out at Appendix 3 to the report.