Sex Establishment
- Eligibility criteria
- What the law says
- Application process
- Will tacit consent apply?
- How to apply
- Can I appeal if my application is refused?
- Complaints about sex establishments
A licence is required to run a sex establishment such as a sex shop or a sex cinema. A sex shop is a premises used for business which consists to a significant degree of selling sex articles. A sex cinema is a premises used to a significant degree for showing of films which are concerned primarily with, or relate to, or are intended to simulate, sexual activity.
An applicant:
- must be at least 18 years old
- must not be disqualified from holding a licence
- must not have been refused the grant or renewal of a licence for the premises in question within the last 12 months unless the refusal has been reversed on appeal
When considering an application for a sex establishment licence the Council must take into account a number of deciding factors, such as the suitability of a location. Applicants may wish to contact the Licensing Section in advance of making an application to discuss the proposed location.
Applicants must give public notice of their application by publishing an advertisement in a local newspaper and displaying a notice outside the premises for a specific time period to allow local residents the opportunity to comment on the application.
The Council will normally expect that the licence holder is resident in the borough of Bracknell Forest and in direct control of the licensed premises. Applications from 'remote' owners or managers will normally be expected to be made in joint names with the local resident manager.
On receipt of an application, the Council will consult with the police and Ward Members as to the suitability of applicant and locality.
How long will it take you to process my application?
We aim to process your application within 28 days of receiving it. Please contact us if you have not heard from us by the end of this period. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or by using the contact details on this page.
Details of the fees applicable can be found within the application form
Can I appeal if my application is refused?
Please contact us first.
Any applicant who is refused a licence or wants to object to a condition on the licence can appeal to their local magistrates' court within 21 days of receiving notice of the decision.
Complaints about sex establishments
If you wish to complain that a sex establishment is causing a nuisance, or if you believe that there has been a breach of licence conditions, please contact us. If you are in the UK, you can also contact Consumer Direct who will give you advice. From outside the UK please contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
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