The Public Protection Manager provided the Committee with a summary of the Review of North Devon Council’s Sex Establishments Policy (circulated previously), which included the following:
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· There was no legal obligation to have a policy for sex establishments but that it was prudent to have one. · The policy covered Sex Shops, Sex Cinemas and Sexual Entertainment Venues · The Council had not licensed any sex establishments and had not received any applications for a licence since the policy was last reviewed · North Devon Council introduced its policy in 2011 and revisited it in 2014 · The changes made were to details such as the geographical area and population numbers · The amendments were minor and as such there was no need for a consultation to be held |
In response to a question about online sales and a business that operated out of a warehouse facility, the Public Protection Manager advised that no licence would be needed in relation to such a business. The Act was introduced at a time when the internet was not a reality and so new legislation would be needed if online sales were to be regulated.
In reply to a question on defining the term proximity, the Public Protection Manager advised that each case would be determined on its own merits and that as proximity could not be defined by distance alone it was appropriate not to define proximity.
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RESOLVED, that on consideration of the draft sex establishment policy that due to the limited changes proposed that no consultation be undertaken at this time.
RECOMMENDED, that the draft sex establishments policy be approved by the Strategy and Resources Committee.
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