Sex Establishment Licence Application Requirements

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To make an application you will need to download and complete the application form as well as provide us with the following:

  • a completed application form

  • a scale plan

  • any additional information in support of the application (where applicable)

You will also need to:

  • advertise your application in a local newspaper

  • notify the police of your application (only if you have not submitted an online application

Scale Plan 

The plan must show:

  • the extent of the boundary of the building, if relevant, and any external and internal walls of the building and, if different, the perimeter of the premises;

  • the location of points of access to and egress from the premises;

  • the location of escape routes from the premises;

  • in a case where the premises is to be used for more than one licensable activity, the area within the premises used for each activity;

  • fixed structures (including furniture) or similar objects temporarily in a fixed location (but not furniture) which may impact on the ability of individuals on the premises to use exits or escape routes without impediment;

  • in a case where the premises includes a stage or raised area, the location and height of each stage or area relative to the floor;

  • in a case where the premises includes any steps, stairs, elevators or lifts, the location of the steps, stairs, elevators or lifts;

  • in the case where the premises includes any room or rooms containing public conveniences, the location of the room or rooms;

  • the location and type of any fire safety and any other safety equipment including, if applicable, marine safety equipment; and

  • the location of a kitchen, if any, on the premises.

The plan may include a legend through which the matters mentioned or referred to above are sufficiently illustrated by the use of symbols on the plan.

You will also need to:

Submit an Advertisment 

Applicants for a grant of a licence need to advertise their application in a local newspaper. This advertisement must be made no later than seven days after the date of the application and must be published on at least one occasion.

Where the application is in respect of premises, notice of it shall also be displayed for no less than 21 consecutive days beginning with the date of the application on or near the premises and in a place where the notice can be conveniently read by the public (from the exterior of the premises).

The notice must identify the relevant premises and must be of a size equal to or larger than A3. It must be on white paper, printed in black ink or typed in black in a font size equal to or larger than 16.

Every notice which relates to a vehicle, vessel or stall must specify where it is to be used as a sex establishment.

Notify Police

If you make an electronic application:

  • A copy of an application for the grant, renewal or transfer of a licence will be sent by the Licensing Authority to the relevant authorities within seven days of the application being received.

In any other case:

  • The applicant should send a copy of the application for the grant, renewal or transfer of a licence to the Chief Officer of Police no later than seven days after the date of the application.

Contact Details

Licensing and Enforcement,
Ipswich Borough Council,
3W Grafton House,
15-17 Russell Road,
Ipswich,
IP1 2DE

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01473 432063