Sex establishments

If you want to operate a sex establishment in Cheshire East, you must apply for a licence.

The law sets out how applications must be made. This includes placing a notice in a local newspaper and displaying a notice outside the premises for a set period. This gives members of the public an opportunity to make comments before the statutory closing date.

Apply for a licence

• Apply online on GOV.UK

If you are unable to apply via GOV.UK you can submit applications by email or post.
Email:Licensing@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Licensing Section
Delamere House
Delamere Street
Crewe
CW1 2LL

Paying the fee

Cheques must be made payable to Cheshire East Council.

Or you can pay for your application by telephone by calling the Customer Service Team on 0300 123 5015.

How applications are considered

When deciding an application, the council may consider:

• the suitability of the applicant
• the person applying is a “front” person for someone else
• the location and suitability of the premises
• the number of sex establishments in that locality is equal to, or exceeds the number, which the Council considers appropriate for the area.

What you must submit

To make a valid application, you must provide:

• the licence fee
• a copy of the completed notice to be displayed on the Premises
• a basic DBSC from the applicant, including:
  • each director and company secretary where the applicant is a company
  • each partner where the applicant is a partnership
• a copy of the management operation manual and club rules (see condition 16 of the conditions)
• a premises plan

The premises plan must show:

• performers' changing facilities
• areas open to the public
• toilets
• entrances and exits, including emergency exits
• any stage area, including the stage height
• fixed structures such as:
  • bar areas
  • fixed tables and seating
  • private booths
• customer seating areas

A copy of the application must also be served on the Chief Officer of Police and advertising in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 3 of the 1982 Act.

Further details are available in the council's policy on licensing sexual entertainment venues.

• Sexual entertainment venue licence application form (MS Word, 164KB)
• Cheshire East Borough Council – Policy on the licensing of sexual entertainment venues (MS Word, 520KB)

Fees

The fees in relation to applications for sexual entertainment venues are as follows:

• first application: £2,380
• renewal application: £1,190
• variation application: £2,380
• transfer application: £520

Your right of appeal

You may appeal to the Magistrates' Court if:

• your application is refused
• you disagree with a condition attached to a licence

You may appeal a Magistrates' Court decision to the Crown Court. The Crown Court's decision is final.

Offences and penalties

• anybody who operates a sex establishment without a licence or fails to comply with licence condition or admits persons under the age of 18 is committing an offence
• penalties upon conviction can range from £1,000 to £20,000

To make an application contact the licensing department nearest to the proposed premises.

Further information

Home Office Guidance on Sexual Entertainment Venues (PDF, 137KB).