Sex establishment licence

Sex establishments all need a licence, including:

• sex shops that sell sexual products
• sex cinemas that primarily show films related to or intended to stimulate sexual activity
• sexual entertainment venues for live nudity or performances that intend to start sexual activity and are for the profit of the organiser or performer

Licences are valid for 1 year from 1 March to 28 February. You can apply for a licence at any time during the year.

Eligibility

To apply for a sex establishment licence, you must:

• be at least 18
• not be disqualified from holding a licence
• have been resident in the UK at least 6 months immediately before the application

If the application is from an incorporated business, it must be incorporated in the UK.

When we consider a sex establishment licence application, we look at:

• the applicant’s suitability
• if the applicant is a ‘front’ person for someone else
• the location and situation of the sex establishment and if it is close to schools, places of worship or a shopping area

Offences and penalties

It’s a criminal offence to:

• operate a sex establishment without a licence
• not follow licence conditions
• admit persons under 18 to your establishment

If convicted, you could face penalties ranging from £1,000 to £20,000.