Current licensing consultations

Consultation - review of Sexual Entertainment Venue licensing policy

Consultation closing date: 11:59pm on 24 March 2025

Consultation documents

About this consultation

Cheltenham Borough Council is consulting on proposed amendments to its Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licensing policy.

Sexual entertainment venues (referred to as “SEVs”) are licensed as sex establishments. Cheltenham Borough Council does not take any moral stand in setting and adopting SEV policy. We recognise that parliament has made it lawful to operate a sex establishment and that such businesses are a legitimate part of the retail and leisure industries. Our role as the licensing authority is to administer the licensing regime in accordance with the law. The relevent legislation is schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 as amended by section 27 and schedule 3 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009.

Current policy

Cheltenham Borough Council has adopted the Policing and Crime Act 2009 in so far as it relates to SEVs and consequently also a SEV licensing policy. The most current version of the SEV policy was adopted at full council in July 2020.  The policy should be read in conjunction with this consultation. 

Our current SEV policy has set limits on the number of SEVs as follows:  

  1. We do not permit any SEVs to operate outside of the adopted “Designated Permitted Area”
  2. Our current policy does not set a limit on the number of permitted SEVs in the adopted “Designated Permitted Area” providing those premises are not near properties with sensitive uses or in sensitive locations
  3. Properties with sensitive uses or in sensitive locations are defined as: 
    • premises in a residential area
    • premises near shops used by or directed at families or children, or on frontages frequently passed by families or children
    • premises near properties which are sensitive for religious reasons
    • premises near properties or areas which are sensitive because they are frequented by children, young people or families

Policy proposals

As outlined in more detail in the consultation document, we are proposing a number of policy amendments relating to:

1. An approach where SEVs are licensed and regulated 

Generally, we prefer an approach where SEVs are licensed and regulated rather than operating unlicensed under the infrequency exemption.  This general approach is driven by the point below:

  1. An acknowledgement that there is a high probability that SEVs would continue to operate regardless of a nil limit set in the policy
  2. The fact that SEVs would continue to operate unlicensed and unregulated also means the public protection and public safety risks are substantially increased
  3. Concerns about women's equality and safety will not be addressed by allowing unlicensed and unregulated SEVs. Unlicensed and unregulated SEVs will likely have the opposite effect

2. Relevant localities and permitted number of licences for each

We are proposing to keep the existing areas as they are. That is:

  1. the designated permitted area where the policy sets no limit on the number of licensed SEVs
  2. The rest of the borough where no SEVs are permitted

3. Amendments to Standard Licensing Conditions 

Amendments cover:

  • advertising outside the premises
  • contact between entertainers or performers
  • performers rest room provision
  • minor changes to wording

4. “Acquired Rights” Policy 

We are proposing to adopt an “acquired rights” policy which relates to licenced sexual entertainment venues in the borough that have been licensed for a number of years. 

5. Plans accompanying applications

We are seeking strengthen the policy requirements for plans accompanying applications for SEVs.  plans accompanying applications should be clear, up to date and/or sufficient for the purpose of commenting on individual applications.

6. Designated Person in Charge 

We are proposing to implement a new requirement on applicants for SEV licenses, including subsequent/renewal applications, to clearly identify a designated person in charge.

7. Factors for consideration - discretionary grounds (a) and (b) 

We are proposing to add additional guidance to the policy relating to the refusal to grant a license due to the unsuitability of the applicant.

How to take part in this consultation

This consultation lasts for six weeks and closes at 11:59pm on 24 March 2025.  There are several ways to respond to this consultation:

Use the online consultation form

Complete and return the consultation form to [email protected] or by post to Cheltenham Borough Council, Licensing Section, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.

Privacy and data protection

Read the licensing consultations privacy statement.

Please note: for this consultation, we will not, without consent, make available or reveal the name or address of any individual submitting comments in relation to this consultation. This is in line with the principle set down in schedule 3(10)(17) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.

If you have questions about this consultation, please contact the licensing team by email at [email protected] or call 01242 264135.