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.
