Sexual entertainment venues
Lap dancing clubs
Section 27 of the Policing & Crime Act 2009 amends Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to introduce a new category of sex establishment called sexual entertainment venue – if adopted by a council the act require premises in that area who provide ‘relevant entertainment’ (such as lap dancing) to obtain a sex establishment licence.
There is an exemption for premises that provide relevant entertainment on an infrequent basis.
The legislation is not mandatory for local authorities – Portsmouth City Council has not formally considered whether or not to adopt the new statutory provisions. The council will consider the implications of the legislative changes in due course.
The Home Office has provided guidance for local authorities regarding sexual entertainment venues, which is available to download in the associated documents below.