Sexual entertainment venue licensing

We have powers to control sexual entertainment venues including the number and location of lap dancing clubs and similar venues in the area.

These include venues for; 

• lap dancing
• pole dancing
• table dancing
• strip shows
• peep shows
• live sex shows

Making an application

You can download a copy of the application form and application pack.

Download the Sex establishment licensing application documents.

You must submit your completed application via email to licensing@oxford.gov.uk. Please include a telephone number so an Officer can contact you for a payment by credit or debit card.

You must also submit a copy of your application within 7 days of submitting the application to:

Chief Officer of Police
Thames Valley Police
St Aldate's Police Station
Oxford, OX1 1SZ

Or via email to licensing@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

If you send your application to us by email, we will forward a copy of your application to Thames Valley Police.

When completing your application, you must also complete the Notices and Certifications below.

Appropriate locations

Applications made for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence will not generally be deemed to be appropriate if the premises is near or in locations or areas containing any of the following:

• historic buildings or tourist attractions
• schools, play areas, nurseries, children's centres or similar premises
• shopping complexes
• residential areas
• places of worship

There is an exemption for premises which provide such entertainment less frequently than once a month.

For further guidance for applicants and interested parties download the Sexual Entertainment Venues - Home Office guidance.

Licence conditions

Once it has decided to grant a licence we are able to impose terms, conditions and restrictions on that licence, either in the form of conditions specific to the individual or standard conditions applicable to all sex establishments, or particular types of sex establishments.

In Oxford, we have decided to produce standard conditions and these will apply to every licence granted, renewed or transferred by the authority unless they have been expressly excluded or varied.

Download the Sex establishments standard conditions.

Notices and certifications

Applicants for a sex establishment licence must give public notice of the application by publishing an advertisement in a local newspaper that is circulated in the local authority area no later than 7 days after the date the application is made.

Newspaper advertisement notice

Download the Certificate for Newspaper Advertisement Notice.

Where the application relates to premises, a notice should also be displayed on or near the premises in a place where it can be conveniently read by members of the public. The notice should be displayed for a period of 21 days beginning with the date the applications was made:

Download the Site Advertisement Notice and Certificate for Site Advertisement Notice.

All notices should be in the form prescribed by us and identify the premises or, if the application relates to a vehicle, vessel or stall, specify where it will be used as a sex establishment. You must send both Forms of Certification to the Licensing Authority when you submit the application.

Most sexual entertainment venues will require a Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate granted under the Licensing Act 2003, as well as a sex establishment licence, in order to sell / supply alcohol, provide regulated entertainment, and provide late night refreshment.

Fees

New sexual entertainment venue: £6664.00

Renewal of sexual entertainment venue: £6664.00

Variation of sexual entertainment venue: £506.00

Transfer sexual entertainment venue: £506.00