Issue - meetings

Sex Establishment premises are regulated and licensed under Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. This legislation originally provided for the licensing of sex shops and sex cinemas before being amended by section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 to extend the scope of the schedule to include sexual entertainment venues.

Prior to Local Government Reorganisation, Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole had existing Sex Establishment Policies. 

On the 5 January 2021 BCP Council passed a resolution that this legislation should apply within the BCP Council area, allowing the council to control and regulate the operation of sex establishments within the conurbation assisted by way of the Sexual Establishment Policy once finalised and agreed by Full Council.

The BCP Council Sex Establishment Policy has now been subject to a second round of public consultation following recommended changes to the draft policy presented to the Licensing Committee on 19^th May 2021.

The Policy sets out how BCP Council will control the type and number of sexual establishments within its area. These establishments include Sex Shops, Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEV’s) and Sex Cinemas. It sets out the Conditions to be applied to any such licences granted and there are clear requirements set out for applicants when they are seeking to apply for a licence. The policy states that the character of the locality and its proximity to different types of premises as set out in the policy, will be considered in respect of each application.

The policy does not impose a limit to the number of sexual entertainment licences permitted within the BCP area. However, any proposed location will be considered on the basis of the character of the locality and whether the grant of the application would be inappropriate having regard to the proximity of the location to the local characteristics listed within the policy. Each application will be considered on its own merits. The characteristics include proximity to residential premises, cultural facilities, public leisure facilities, premises used by children, hospitals, and tourist attractions.

During the second consultation period, a Councillors’ briefing took place on 29^th June 2021 to ensure all BCP Councillors had the opportunity to ask questions of officers and discuss the rationale behind the proposed policy.

The views of workers within the local SEV’s were sought and in the majority of cases the feedback was that they feel safe and secure in their chosen work environment and they did not feel exploited but empowered. They are self-employed with their choice of venues and working shifts, and venues invest in facilities and security to attract the better dancers.

Equalities issues were addressed via the EIA and approved by the EIA panel.

Overall, the impact of the policy is positive, strict licence conditions should ensure safe well managed venues for both patrons and dancers. There is no indication of crime associated with local venues therefore, there is no negative proven impact on the safety of dancers, patrons or members of public  ...  view the full agenda text for item 18

The Licensing Manager presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Committee was advised that Sex Establishment premises are regulated and licensed under Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, and that this legislation was originally provided for the licensing of sex shops and sex cinemas before being amended by section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 to extend the scope of the schedule to include sexual entertainment venues.

In relation to this the Committee was informed that prior to Local Government Reorganisation, of the three legacy Councils, Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole had existing Sex Establishment Policies, Christchurch Borough Council did not have an existing Sex Establishment Policy. 

The Committee was further informed that on the 5 January 2021 BCP Council passed a resolution that this legislation should apply within the BCP Council area, allowing the BCP Council to control and regulate the operation of sex establishments within the conurbation assisted by way of the Sexual Establishment Policy once finalised and agreed by Full Council.

In relation to this the Committee was informed that the BCP Council Sex Establishment Policy has now been subject to a second round of public consultation following recommended changes to the draft policy presented to the Licensing Committee on 19^th May 2021, and that the Policy sets out how BCP Council will control the type and number of sexual establishments within its area. These establishments include Sex Shops, Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEV’s) and Sex Cinemas, and that it sets out the Conditions to be applied to any such licences granted and there are clear requirements set out for applicants when they are seeking to apply for a licence. Further to this the policy states that the character of the locality and its proximity to different types of premises as set out in the policy, will be considered in respect of each application.

The Committee was further advised that the policy does not impose a limit to the number of sexual entertainment licences permitted within the BCP area. However, any proposed location will be considered on the basis of the character of the locality and whether the grant of the application would be inappropriate having regard to the proximity of the location to the local characteristics listed within the policy. Each application will be considered on its own merits. The characteristics include proximity to residential premises, cultural facilities, public leisure facilities, premises used by children, hospitals, and tourist attractions.

The Committee was informed that during the second consultation period, a Councillors’ briefing took place on 29^th June 2021 to ensure all BCP Councillors had the opportunity to ask questions of officers and discuss the rationale behind the proposed policy.

In addition the Committee was advised that the views of dancers within the local SEV’s were sought and in the majority of cases the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18