Sexual Entertainment Venues

On 18 January 2011, Woking Borough Council resolved to adopt Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as amended by Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009, so that the provisions for the control of sexual entertainment venues would apply in Woking Borough. The amended Schedule 3 gives the Council more powers to control the number and location of lap dancing clubs and similar venues in the area.

The new powers take effect in Woking from 28 March 2011.

The forms of entertainment commonly understood to be connected with Sexual Entertainment Venues are (though this is not a comprehensive list):

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

How to Apply for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence (SEVL)

The First Appointed Day is the date set by Woking Borough Council being at least one month following the re-adoption of Schedule 3. The Second and Third Appointed Days are 6 and 12 calendar months (respectively) following the First Appointed Day.

These dates shall be:

  • 28 March 2011 - The First Appointed Day
  • 28 September 2011 - The Second Appointed Day
  • 28 March 2012 - The Third Appointed Day.

Businesses that can prove their venue was operating as a Sex Entertainment Venue using the provisions of their Licensing Act 2003 premises licence on or before the First Appointed Day can apply for an SEVL before the Second Appointed Day. All applications of this nature will be heard and determined together after the Second Appointed Day, so that no first come first served policy exists.

Any new applications for SEVLs can be made after the Second Appointed Day, but these applications will be heard and determined in the order they are made.

Applications must be made on Woking Borough Council's Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence Application Form along with the total fees due.

The Act and guidance state that applications have to be treated individually and therefore all applications will and must be heard by full Licensing Committee.

Applicants should be minded to have regard of the Home Office Guidance document and Woking Borough Council's Sexual Entertainment Venues Licence Policy before submitting any application.

Applicants must also submit a copy of their application to the address below within seven days of submitting the application to the Licensing Team:

Police Licensing Officer,
Woking Police Station,
Woking,
Surrey, GU22 7SY


When completing their application, applicants must also complete the Notices below.

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 seven days after the date the application is made.

Where the application relates to premises, a notice should also be displayed on or near the premises 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:

All notices should be in the form prescribed by Woking Borough Council 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.

Most sexual entertainment venues will require a Premises Licence or Club Premises Certifcate 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.