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To run a sex shop, sex cinema or sex encounter establishment in Sutton you will need a licence from us. This will be issued under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (c. 30).
Sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) are a category of sex establishments that provide relevant entertainment. This category was introduced in the Policing and Crime 2009 Act (2009 Act).
There are four categories of sex establishments:
Can sell, hire, exchange, lend display or demonstrate sex articles or other things that are intended for use in connection with, or for the purpose of stimulating or encouraging sexual activity or acts of force or restraint which are associated with sexual activity.
Can show films that are primarily for the portrayal of sexual activity or acts of force or restraint which are associated with sexual activity with the intention of sexually stimulating customers.
Can provide sexual entertainment (e.g. lap dancing, peep show, live sex show, strip show, etc.) to a live audience for financial gain of the organiser or the entertainer.
Provide companionship for customers and premises that give the impression that a sexual performance, service, etc. is available.
An applicant for a sex establishment licence:
The Council expects and encourages those engaged or wishing to engage in operating a sex establishment premises to carefully consider how they operate and how what they do may affect residents and businesses.
Before you make an application you should read our read our Sex Establishments Policy.
Post your completed form to:
Licensing Team
London Borough of Sutton
Civic Offices
St Nicholas Way
Sutton
SM1 1EA
You should keep a copy of the completed form for your own records.
There is a fee for sex establishment premises licences. You can pay online or over the phone by calling 020 8770 5000.
All applications must be advertised in the local press.
In addition, where the application is in respect of premises, a notice must be displayed outside the premises for 21 days. A copy of the application must also be sent to the Metropolitan Police no later than seven days after the application is made.
Any person objecting to an application for the grant, renewal or transfer of a licence may give written notice of their objection to us. This should include the grounds of the objection, within 28 days of the date of the application.
All applications for the grant or renewal of a licence will be considered by our Regulatory Licensing Committee.
An application can only be refused on the following grounds:
We may impose terms, conditions and restrictions in addition to the standard conditions contained within our policy when granting or renewing a licence
Sex establishment licences last for 12 months. You must apply to renew your licence at least 6 weeks before it is due to expire.
If you have a concern or complaint about a sex establishment, contact the Licensing Team.
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