Sex Establishement

Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
Any premises selling sex toys, books or videos is required to be licensed. This also applies to premises where explicit films are shown to members of the public.

Exhibition of public notice on the premises
On receipt of an application you will be sent a notice to be displayed at the proposed premises, in a place where it can easily be seen and read by persons in the street or adjoining public place, for a period of 28 days. If the notice is found to be severely defaced, damaged or missing, a new notice will be required to be displayed for a further 28 days. A declaration confirming display of the notice must be completed and returned to the Council.

Exhibition of public notice in a local newspaper
Within seven days of applying for a licence, a notice advertising your application must be published in a local newspaper in the style provided by the Council. A copy of the advertisement must be forwarded to the Council within 14 days of application.

General information
A detailed inspection of the premises will be carried out by the Fire Safety Officer following which you will receive a schedule of works which must be undertaken to meet the Council's requirements. These works will be in addition to any required under Building Control or Planning Legislation for which appropriate approvals should be obtained. A copy of the application will be sent to the Police in fulfilment of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, Schedule 3, Paragraph 10 (14).

Offences and Penalties
anybody who operates a sex establishment without a licence or fails to comply with licence condition or admits persons under the age of 18 is committing an offence. Penalties upon conviction can range from £1,000 to £20,000.

Useful Links and Information

• Maidenhead Advertiser (Opens new window to external site)
• Slough & Langley Observer  (Opens new window to external site)
• Slough Express (Opens new window to external site)
• Bucks Free Press (Opens new window to external site)