Licensing of Sexual Entertainment Venues - July 2023

Overview

In March 2022, the Regulatory Committee formally agreed to introduce a licensing scheme for Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) in Edinburgh. This followed the introduction of new legislation which allowed local authorities to license such venues, and a public consultation exercise on the issue.

Adoption of the powers to license Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) does not imply approval of these premises by the Council.

Following the consultation process the Council resolved to license SEVs, agreed that the appropriate number of SEVs within Edinburgh was zero, and agreed a SEV policy statement and conditions framework.

Following a legal challenge, the Council’s determination of the appropriate number to be zero was struck down by the Court of Session.

The Council is therefore now reconsidering the determination of an appropriate number of SEVs. At the same time the Council is reviewing the agreed SEV policy statement in light of the Court of Session’s decision.

As stated above, the Council is required to determine an appropriate number of SEVs permitted to operate in Edinburgh and each relevant locality. This consultation asks for views on what that number should be.

The consultation also asks for views on the existing licensing policy and set of licensing conditions for Sexual Entertainment Venues.

It is important to note that, following the Court of Session's decision that if the Council chooses to determine an appropriate number of SEVs within Edinburgh or any of the relevant localities therein to be zero, then no SEV premises will be permitted to operate in Edinburgh. In such circumstances, any application received for a SEV licence would require to be refused.

The definition of a SEV is provided by legislation and is aimed at premises providing sexual entertainment - often referred to as ‘lap dancing’. Premises used as massage parlours or saunas are not included in this legislation, or in the definition of sexual entertainment, and will not be affected by these proposals.

Why your views matter

We would like to know your views on what the appropriate number of SEVs permitted to operate in the city should be. Furthermore, we would to know what you think about the existing licensing policy and conditions framework in respect of Sexual Entertainment Venues in Edinburgh.