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Sex establishment licences

If you operate a sex shop, sex cinema, or sex encounter establishment, you must have a sex establishment licence.

We must be satisfied that you're a fit and proper person to hold a sex establishment licence. We'll consider an application based on our policy guidelines and the following:

  • the locality of the premises

  • the use of other premises in the vicinity

  • the layout, character or condition of the premises

The number of sex establishment licences permitted in the Barnsley town centre is currently restricted to three.

Fees

The current fees are as follows:

Application type

Sex shops

Sex cinemas

Sexual entertainment venues

New application

£234

£234

£234

Renewal application

£112

£112

£112

Variation of licence

£234

£234

£234

Transfer of licence

£34

£34

£34

Name change

 £10.50

 £10.50

 £10.50

Replacement copy of licence

 £10.50

 £10.50

 £10.50

How to apply

You can apply by sending your completed sex establishment application form and documents via email to licensing@barnsley.gov.uk. 

You can also apply by post to: Barnsley Council, Licensing, Regulatory Services, PO Box 634, Barnsley, S70 9GG.

You'll need to include with your application:

  • layout/site plans

  • copies of any relevant planning approval

  • evidence that publication of the application has taken place in accordance with the statutory provisions

  • original or certified copies of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates for each director of the business

Once we receive an application consultation takes place with the police prior to a report on the application being referred to the General Licensing Board for consideration.

We aim to process applications within six weeks (subject to statutory notice periods).

For more information see our guidance notes.

How to pay

Once you've submitted your application and it's been reviewed by us, we'll contact you to let you know that you can pay. You can pay using the online form below. Please do not make a payment before we've contacted you.

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 18s 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 us for further information on how to view the register.

Legislation