Issue - meetings

To review the Council’s Policy Statement for Sex Establishments established under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (As amended by Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009)(report of the Assistant Director - Regulatory enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory which sought approval of the Sex Establishments and Sexual Entertainment Venues Policy as required under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (As amended by Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009).

The Head of Public Protection introduced the policy, and highlighted the following points:

• The Council were not required by law to have a consultation on the policy if only minor amendments were required and the policy was on a 5-year review cycle.
• There were no recommended changes to the Policy and the only update made were population figures.
• Currently there were no licensed premises under this policy within the District.
• There was a strict application process for this type of licence and any applications would go before a Panel hearing before being granted.
• If Members were inclined to make any major changes to the policy, it would be recommended to send the policy out for consultation.

Members made the following comments:

• Support the policy as written, with no changes.
• Where did the policy sit in comparison with East Lindsey and Boston policies?
  • The policies were very similar at all 3 authorities as they were based in legislation. There were not any licensed premises within the partnership area.
• What sort of training was undertaken by staff at these premises?
  • Training was not defined anywhere but it would likely include safeguarding and first aid.
• Would any concerns around fake IDs be reported to the Police?
  • The Police were statutory consultees for any applications so they would suggest conditions for a licence.
• Were health checks part of the licence conditions?
  • These were not a licensing consideration.
• The opening hours within Section 10 of the policy didn’t seem to be well worded.
  • Premises could only be open to the public at the times listed within their licence conditions.

AGREED:

That the Sex Establishments and Sexual Entertainment Venues Policy be approved.