Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Recommendations:-

1.    That Cabinet recommend to Council to pass a resolution to adopt powers contained within Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (as amended).

2.    That Cabinet recommend to Council that the appointed day for the provisions coming into effect is one month and one day from that resolution being made.

3.    That Cabinet recommend that Council delegate responsibility for the discharge of the adopted functions in relation to individual licences of Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to the Licensing Board.

Further to Minute No. 10 of the meeting of Council held on 5^th December, 2018, consideration was given to the report which outlined a proposal to adopt the amended Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 that classified lap dancing clubs and similar establishments, as ‘sexual entertainment venues’. 

Extra time was allowed for the consultation to cover the Christmas period for responses to be provided and  covered a broad spectrum of considerations that a public view was desired upon.  The consultation was publicised through a range of channels including social media, press releases, online promotion and written correspondence.

From the responses it was clear that there was a public desire to adopt powers to improve the licencing and regulation of ‘sex establishments’ including ‘sexual entertainment venues’.

Approval was, therefore, sought to consider the findings of the public consultation on the adoption of the powers and to recommend that Council adopted the powers, to support more effective licensing of such venues and reflect the views of local communities.

It was anticipated that if the powers were adopted, then Cabinet would be able to consider the adoption of a specific Policy relating to ‘sex establishments’ including ‘sexual entertainment venues’ to ensure proper regulation and control.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Council be recommended to pass a resolution to adopt powers contained within Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (as amended).

(2)  That Council be recommended that the appointed day for the provisions coming into effect is one month and one day from that resolution being made.

(3)  That Council be recommended to delegate responsibility for the discharge of the adopted functions in relation to individual licences of Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to the Licensing Board.