Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from the Licensing & Enforcement Officer regarding a review of the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

      i.         Asked whether the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy covered both shops and entertainment venues. 

    ii.         Asked if a limit was put on the number of Sex Establishments whether this would mean any applications received above the limit could be automatically refused or whether an application would still need to be considered.

   iii.         Asked if the consultation on the Sex Establishment Policy had included Women’s organisations.

  iv.         Noted that the Equality Impact Assessment seemed to focus on ensuring that these establishments did not discriminate against people attending them however the negative impact of the establishments should also be considered.  

In response to Members’ questions the Licensing & Enforcement Officer said the following:

      i.         The Sex Establishment Licensing Policy covered shops and entertainment venues.

    ii.         Confirmed that even if a limit was put on the number of Sex Establishments, any application received above the limit would still need to be considered.

   iii.         A limit on the number of Sex Establishments was not proposed as this would have significant financial implications.

  iv.         Confirmed that women’s organisations had been consulted and that this could be set out in more detail when the Policy was reviewed again.

The Committee:

Resolved (unanimously):

        i.       To consider the results of the public consultation exercise as summarised as Appendix B of the Officer’s report.

      ii.        To approve the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy attached as Appendix C to the Officer’s report.

    iii.        That the policy should have immediate effect and shall be reviewed at least every five years.