New sex establishment policy for Sidmouth and region

SEX establishment proprietors intent on setting up shop in Sidmouth will have to apply for a specific license under a proposed new policy.

SEX establishment proprietors intent on setting up shop in Sidmouth will have to apply for a specific license under a proposed new policy.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has adopted Government legislation which now requires any business wishing to operate as a sex shop, sex cinema or a sexual entertainment venue- such as lap or pole dancing operation- to be licensed by the authority.

A public consultation over a draft Sex Establishment Licensing Policy ended on Wednesday.

Sidmouth town councillors backed the policy when they met on Monday.

“Entertainment licenses meant anybody could have these sorts of things happening on their premises,” said Councillor Christine Drew. “This is a good thing because it now means its being monitored.”

Cllr Graham Liverton described the move as “common sense.”