Council consults on new Sex Establishments Policy

Shropshire Council’s public protection officers are advising stakeholders that the council, as the licensing authority for Shropshire, is consulting on a new Sex Establishments Policy.

There is no statutory duty on the council to prepare and publish such a policy.  However, it is considered good working practice to do so, and in line with national guidance.  The policy will inform applicants how their application for a sex establishment licence will be considered.

As part of the process the council will be consulting with West Mercia Police.  The council will also be consulting with people running premises currently licensed as sex establishments.

Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said:

“In preparing and publishing the policy, the council is demonstrating its commitment to regulatory openness and transparency.  It creates a defined framework within which to exercise its functions, and it makes it clear to all stakeholders the manner by which the council intends to exercise its functions in respect of the licensing of sex establishments. We genuinely want to hear the views of all stakeholders, and encourage everyone who wishes to comment to do so over the next three months.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection and enforcement, said:

“The council currently has a Sexual Entertainment Venues policy (adopted in September 2010), but it is now considered appropriate to revise the scope of this policy to encompass sexual entertainment venues, sex cinemas and sex shops, and to make it clear to all stakeholders the manner by which the council intends to exercise its functions in respect of these types of establishments.  I would encourage everyone who wishes to support the proposed policy, or to express concerns, to make their views know as soon as possible, and clearly to do so before the consultation period ends.”

The draft policy has been published on the council’s website here.  Consultation period commences on Monday 23 September 2013 and closes on Sunday 15 December 2013.  All comments and representations should be made, and further advice may be sought from, Simon Ditton at:-

Email: licensing@shropshire.gov.uk

Phone: 0345 678 9026

Post: Public Protection and Enforcement, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6ND.