Colchester Council has a new policy on sex venues

Colchester Council proposed changes to its policy on sex shops, sexual entertainment venues and sex cinemas, to reflect a growing trend of such services moving online.

Updating the council, licensing committee chair Dave Harris said: “As probably most of us know, all policies do not just gather dust on shelves, they are live documents and as such, they need periodical review.

“The committee heard that government legislation was followed in publicity and consultation of this review.

“We looked at the definition of sex establishments, existing premises, of which we have one, and the rules by which any new premises would be measured.

“I remind all that planning law may come into play."

In the licensing committee’s updated policy, a sex establishment is defined  as a ‘sex shop’, ‘sex cinema or ‘sexual entertainment venue’.

The statement also outlined that Colchester Council has the discretion to refuse to grant or renew licenses for sex establishments on the grounds the establishment would be inappropriate due to other premises in the vicinity.

The statement defined such premises, which included residential accommodation, schools and nurseries, parks or other recreational areas used by children, as well as religious centers.

Mr Harris also outlined that licences for swingers clubs will have to be applied for.

Dave Harris said: “As with all other councils in Great Britain, where there is a membership and all can be involved, then it will be licensable.

“The officers consider that they cannot see anyone applying for a licence on the near horizon.”

At a previous meeting, councillor Roger Buston raised concerns the council had previously encountered “problems” with a swingers club in London Road, Colchester, but the licensing department had been unable to intervene, angering residents.

The council was told there is now only one 'sex entertainment venue' operating in Colchester.