To run a sex shop (any premises selling sex toys, books or videos) or to run a venue where explicit films are shown to members of the public you will need a licence from the local authority. Applicants should consult Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (the act) for definitions and further guidance. The application will need to be advertised in a local newspaper and on site. A copy of the application must also be sent to the local police. There will be a 28 day consultation period during which time comments may be received.
The council also passed a resolution on 1 March 2011 that schedule 3 of the act, as amended by s.27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009, shall come into force in the borough of St Edmundsbury with effect from 5 April 2011 (the first appointed day). This means that the borough council has extended its licensing functions to include provision for the licensing of sexual entertainment venues.
We have revised the proposed conditions for sex establishments, which are subject to consultation between 1 March 2012 and 31 May 2012. For further details please visit public consultations.
Who can apply?
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you must be at least 18 years old;
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you must not be disqualified from holding a licence;
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you must have been resident in the UK at least six months immediately before the application or, if a body corporate, must be incorporated in the UK;
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you 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.
What is the cost?
Please visit Licensing fees
How long does it last?
12 months.
How do I apply?
The link below takes you to an external website which processes these applications on behalf of St Edmundsbury Borough Council:
Will tacit authorisation apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.
What can I do if my licence is refused?
You can appeal to the sex shop's local Magistrates' court against that decision within 21 days of being notified.
Contact details
Licensing Services
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
West Suffolk House
Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3YU
Phone: 01284 757103
Email: licensing@stedsbc.gov.uk
