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Sex establishments

You need a licence to run a sex shop (any premises selling sex toys, books or videos) or a venue where explicit films are shown to members of the public.

Apply for a sex establishment licence

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a licence you must:

  • be over 18 years old
  • not be disqualified from holding a licence
  • have been resident in the UK at least six months immediately prior to the application or, if a body corporate, must be incorporated in the UK
  • 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