Agenda item

Report of the Leader

The Leader presented the report as published, saying it was the job of local authorities to administer the licensing regime in accordance with the law, taking no moral stand and recognising that sex establishments are a legitimate part of the retail and leisure industries. Licensing and regulation of SEVs is the preferred approach, minimising public protection and public safety risks.  She said the licensing committee undertook informal engagement sessions with a wide range of key stakeholders before commencing the formal policy review,  with outcomes from these sessions fully considered and some of them incorporated in the policy proposals.  Proposed changes, and those rejected, are set out with full reasons in the report. A working group was set up in late 2025, and a short consultation on two further amendments (the designated permitted area (DPA) and changes to the list of relevant considerations for licensed premises) has been run; these have subsequently been included in the policy, with reasons set out in the report. 

She said this is a sensitive subject and the council is fully committed to protecting residents and visitors, adding that it is heartening to see that the government has now committed to building a safer society for women and girls.

There were no Member questions.

In debate, Members welcomed the public consultation and introduction of the strongest, safest policy that the council can take forward at this time.  They made following comments:

-       thanks to the Leader, Cabinet, and licensing officers for the huge amount of time spent on this, and the former Chair of Licensing Committee for his proactive approach;

-       Cheltenham is a proud festival town, and with the requirements for SEVs driven by visitors and operators coming to the town specifically for this.  A nil approach would not be practical, but the proposed activity is limited to the town centre, away from residential areas;

-       the exemption allows operators to set up without a licence, as long as they don’t use the same venue more than once a month, for more than 24 hours in one session, or more than 11 times a year.  This is not ideal but is hopefully being prioritised under the government’s Violence against Women and Girls strategy, to ensure the safety of everyone, not just the performers; 

-       Cheltenham is rightly proud of its accredited Purple Flag area, which promotes a safe and welcoming town centre;

-       the new chair of Licensing Committee and the newly-appointed Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities are urged to continue work around the exemption rules.

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities thanked the Leader and Members for their comments and agreed with all the conclusions of this long and methodical process, which protect performers’ welfare, ensure premises are properly inspected, and make sure operators are aware of their legal responsibilities, whilst maintaining good professional working relationships with CBC.

The Leader added thanks to Louis Krog and Michelle Bignell for all their hard work.

Members voted unanimously to approved the recommendations.

RESOLVED THAT:

-       the consultation feedback is noted;

-       the revised policy document attached at Appendix 6 is adopted.