Sex shops and sex cinemas
You need a licence to run a sex shop where items can be purchased or a venue where R18 films are shown to members of the public.
What you need to know
When you apply, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- not be disqualified from holding a licence
- not have been refused the grant or renewal of a licence for the premises in question within the last 12 months unless the refusal has been reversed on appeal
- give public notice of their application by publishing an advertisement in a local newspaper.
What we need to see
Applications must be made online and you must provide the following information:
- an area street plan at a scale of 1:250
- internal layout plan of the premises
- birth certificate of the applicant
- 3 passport photos of the applicant.
| Type of licence | Fee |
|---|
| Application for a sex shop/sexual entertainment venue/sex cinema licence: | £3,297 |
| Application to renew a sex shop licence: | £1,648.30 |
| Application to transfer a sex establishment licence | £824.10 |
Apply now
Request a change to your licence