Sex Establishment and Sexual Entertainment Venues Legislation and Policy

South Norfolk Council and Broadland District Council are seeking feedback on proposed policies and legislation regarding the licensing and regulation of sex establishments and sexual entertainment venues (SEVs). South Norfolk is considering new powers to better manage these venues, while Broadland is reviewing and updating its existing policy. Although there are currently no affected premises or pending applications in either district, both councils aim to be prepared for future applications and to safeguard community interests.

South Norfolk Council Sex Establishment and Sexual Entertainment Venues Legislation and Policy

South Norfolk Council is currently consulting on adopting provisions which will apply to the licensing of sex establishments and sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) in the South Norfolk district.

At present, South Norfolk does not have any affected premises located within the district and the authority is not aware of any pending applications. However, having both the provisions to accept an application and a robust policy in place will ensure the authority is suitably prepared should an application be received.

Definitions

The legislation defines sex establishments (which can include sex cinemas and sex shops) and a sub-category of SEVs (which include lap dancing clubs and similar types of premises).

A ‘sexual entertainment venue’ is defined as, “Any premises at which relevant entertainment is provided before a live audience for the financial gain of the organiser or the entertainer”.

‘Relevant entertainment’ is subsequently defined as, “any live performance or live display of nudity which is of such a nature that, ignoring financial gain, it must reasonably be assumed to be provided solely or principally for the purpose of sexually stimulating any member of an audience (whether by verbal or other means).” There are exemptions for some premises, including premises where relevant entertainment has been provided on no more than 11 occasions within a 12 month period.

Adopting the Provisions

Adopting the legislation will give South Norfolk Council more powers to control the number and location of lap dancing clubs and similar venues in their area and will also give local people a greater say. Such venues are currently only regulated under the Licensing Act 2003 and therefore location and the number of current venues cannot be taken into consideration in deciding whether a licence should be granted. The legislation also provides greater safeguards for those working at such premises.

The powers to control these venues are not mandatory and will only apply where they are adopted by local authorities. This authority proposes to adopt the provisions so that they will be effective in the South Norfolk district.

Policy document

A policy has also been developed based on available guidance and best practice. This is being consulted upon at the same time as the consideration of whether South Norfolk Council should adopt the relevant provisions.

Consultation

You are invited to comment on whether South Norfolk Council should adopt the relevant provisions and also give your views on the draft policy document. The consultation period for the adoption of the provisions and the Sex Establishment and Sexual Entertainment Venue Policy begins on 3 December 2025 and ends on 25 February 2026. The policy document may be accessed below. Should you wish to comment on the provisions or the policy document, please contact the Licensing Team at licensingpolicies@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk.

At the end of the consultation period, any comments received will be considered and a decision will be made in respect of adopting the provisions. Where a decision is made to adopt these provisions the responses to the consultation on the policy document will also be considered and the document will be amended as appropriate before being approved and adopted by the Council.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Broadland District Council Sex Establishment and Sexual Entertainment Venues Policy

Broadland District Council is currently consulting on reviewing its Sex Establishment and Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) policy.

A comprehensive review of the current policy document, introduced in 2011, is required to ensure the policy remains fit for purpose. The revised document has been developed with reference to the legislation, guidance, best practice and recently updated policy documents drafted by other licensing authorities local to Broadland.

At present, Broadland does not have any affected premises located within the district and the authority is not aware of any pending applications. However, having a robust and up to date policy in place will ensure the authority is suitably prepared should an application be received.

Definitions

The legislation defines sex establishments (which can include sex cinemas and sex shops) and a sub-category of SEVs (which include lap dancing clubs and similar types of premises).

A ‘sexual entertainment venue’ is defined as, “Any premises at which relevant entertainment is provided before a live audience for the financial gain of the organiser or the entertainer”.

‘Relevant entertainment’ is subsequently defined as, “any live performance or live display of nudity which is of such a nature that, ignoring financial gain, it must reasonably be assumed to be provided solely or principally for the purpose of sexually stimulating any member of an audience (whether by verbal or other means).” There are exemptions for some premises, including premises where relevant entertainment has been provided on no more than 11 occasions within a 12 month period.

Consultation

You are invited to comment on the draft revised policy document. The consultation period for the Sex Establishment and Sexual Entertainment Venue policy begins on 3 December 2025 and ends on 25 February 2026. The policy document and a schedule of the key proposed changes may be accessed below.

Should you wish to comment on the policy document please contact the Licensing Team at licensingpolicies@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk.

At the end of the consultation period, any comments received will be considered and the policy document will be amended as appropriate before being approved and adopted by the Council.

We look forward to hearing from you.