Sexual entertainment venue licence

On 22 February 2011 East Cambridgeshire District Council resolved to adopt Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 so that the provisions for the control of sexual entertainment venues would apply in the East Cambridgeshire district.

The amended Schedule 3 gives the Council powers to control the number and location of sexual entertainment venues in the area. The new powers took effect from the 1st December 2011. The forms of 'relevant' entertainment commonly understood to be connected with sexual entertainment venues are (though this is not a comprehensive list):

• lap dancing 
• pole dancing 
• table dancing 
• strip shows 
• peep shows 
• live sex shows 

Applications made for a sexual entertainment venue licence will not generally be deemed to be appropriate if the premises is near or in locations or areas containing any of the following:

• historic buildings or tourist attractions 
• schools, play areas, nurseries, children's centres or similar premises 
• shopping complexes 
• residential areas 
• places of worship 

There is an exemption for premises which provide such entertainment less frequently than once a month.

Further guidance for applicants and interested parties can be found in the home office guidance document.