Article: Licences - Sex Establishments Article Body Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, a Sex Establishment Licence is required to operate a premises as a sex shop, sex cinema or sex encounter establishment. In April 2010, new legislation came into effect to give local people and local authorities a greater say over the number and location of lap dancing clubs in their area, this followed a wide ranging consultation. On 28th March 2011, the Council adopted Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009, which reclassifies lap dancing clubs as Sexual Entertainment Venues and gives local authorities in England and Wales the power to regulate such venues as Sex Establishments under Section 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. Sex shops and sex cinemas are already classified as sex establishments. Who can apply Sex Establishment Licences may be granted by the Council, who are required to be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence and regard is made to the locality of the premises, the use to which other premises in the vicinity are put and the layout, character or condition of the premises. The Council may also have regard to its policy guidelines when considering applications. How to apply Applications can be made using the downloadable forms available on this webpage or via the online application website (see links below). Provide layout / site plans, produce copies of any relevant planning approval, and evidence that publication of the application has taken place in accordance with the statutory provisions. Online Applications and credit/debit card payments may be made using the UK Welcomes / Business Link online application website. Accompanying documents may need to be uploaded for submission with the application. (Please note, you will be required to register with UK Welcomes before being able to make your first online application) By Post Postal applications may be made by sending a completed form (see Application Forms below), along with any accompanying documents that are required, to The Licensing Section, Regulatory Services, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, PO Box 602, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 9FB. Please ensure you enclose a cheque for the correct amount, made payable to Barnsley MBC. Your application will not be considered to be valid without receipt of the necessary payment. Supporting Information For additional information on the latest changes to the legislation, please read the Home Office Guidance Notes and the BMBC Guidance Notes. What happens next Once an application has been received, consultation takes place with the Police prior to a report on the application being referred to the General Licensing Board for consideration. The Council try to process applications within six weeks (subject to statutory notice periods). Contact information Barnsley Council Regulatory Services PO Box 602 Barnsley S70 9FB Our office hours are 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday. Telephone: 01226 772468 Fax: 01226 775699 Email: regulatoryservices@barnsley.gov.uk Application Forms Sex Establishment Licence Application Form (MS Word 142kb) Sex Establishment Licence Application Form (PDF 138kb) Online Application for a Sex Establishment Licence Online Application to Vary a Sex Extablishment Licence Charges The current fees, effective from 28th March 2011, are as follows:- Application Type Sex Shops Sex Cinemas Sexual Entertainment Venues New application £3950 £3950 £3950 Renewal application £3300 £3300 £3300 Variation of licence £640 £640 £640 Transfer of licence £640 £640 £640 The Council provides a number of methods for making payment of licence fees. Frequently asked questions I want to sell 'restricted 18' videos, do I need a Sex Establishment Licence? Yes, R18 videos may only be lawfully sold in licensed sex shops. What restrictions/conditions are made by the council on Sex Establishment Licences? The main ones concern the hours of operation, displays or advertisements on the premises, the content of window displays and the prohibition of under 18's entering the premises. Public register Current applications for Sex Establishment Licences and those previously completed can be viewed on the Sex Establishment Licence Public Register. Please contact the Licensing Section using the contact details above for further information on how to view the register. Additional notes The number of Sex Establishment Licences permitted in the Barnsley town centre is currently restricted to three.