Sex establishment policy under review

West Lancashire Borough Council is consulting the public on a review of its policy for the licensing of sex establishments.



A national licensing scheme has been created for applications to set up any of these establishments, which include sex shops, sex cinemas and lap dancing bars. Legislation has responded to our changing society, where the public representation of sex has become more prevalent through advertising and popular culture. However, this change may also cause concern to many members of the public.

The Council is not under an obligation to publish a policy for sex establishment licensing. However, by publishing such a document, the Council can clearly state the needs of its own area and dictate the requirements for licensed operations.

Accordingly, the revised Policy describes how any application would be considered and determined, but it is largely unchanged from the current version.

Councillor Kevin Wright, Portfolio Holder for Health and Community Safety, said: “Parliament has made it lawful to operate a sex establishment. It is appropriate the Council sets out its objectives and the means through which application processes can address potential concerns. We do not intend to change our Policy from that currently in place, but it is important that we review and consult the content of Policy to ensure that it continues to reflect current opinion.”

The draft policy is open for comment until 29 September 2017. All comments are welcome and will be submitted to full Council for determination before the final version of the policy is approved.
To read the draft policy and find out how you can give your views, please visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/yourviews and click on consultations underway.
Comments can be made by emailing: licensing.enquiries@westlancs.gov.uk or by post to: West Lancashire Borough Council, Licensing Service, Robert Hodge Centre, Stanley Way, Skelmersdale, WN8 8EE.