Sex Shop and Cinema Licence

Do you need a licence?

You may need a licence if you:

• run a sex shop (any premises selling sex toys, books, or videos)
• operate a cinema that shows explicit films to the public

You can apply for a licence or request that the requirement be waived.

Apply for a sex establishment licence
Tell us about a change to your existing licence

Who can apply

You must:

• be at least 18 years old
• not be disqualified from holding a licence
• have lived in the UK for at least 6 months before applying (or be a UK-registered company)
• not have been refused a licence for the same premises in the last 12 months, unless that decision was overturned on appeal

How to apply

Applications must:

• be submitted in writing or online
• include your name, address, age (if an individual), and the address of the premises
• include any other information we request
• be accompanied by the correct fee
• publish a public notice in a local newspaper (e.g. Hartlepool Mail)

You may also wish to:

• Read a summary of the regulation relating to this licence

What happens next

We will review your application and may attach conditions to your licence. If we receive any objections, the application will be considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee.

Each application is assessed on its own merits.

Tacit consent

You must wait for a decision before operating. If you haven’t heard from us within a reasonable time, please contact the Licensing Team.

Appeals and complaints

Please contact us in the first instance.

If your application is refused, you can appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days—unless the refusal was based on:

• the number of sex establishments in the area exceeds the number which the authority consider is appropriate
• the grant of the licence would be inappropriate considering the character of the area, the nature of other premises in the area, or the premises themselves

Licence holders can also appeal against conditions or revocations.

If you have a complaint, contact the business first. If unresolved, contact Citizens Advice or the UK European Consumer Centre (if outside the UK).

Objections

Anyone can object to a licence application. Objections must:

• be made in writing
• be submitted within 28 days of the application
• clearly state the reasons for the objection