Rotherham Council consulting on restricting sex shops and strip clubs

A new policy is being considered which would mean applications for sex establishments could immediately be refused in certain “sensitive locations”.

A draft list of these includes near schools, places of worship, women’s refuges, play areas and family leisure facilities like theatres.

The consultation will help decide where — and how many — licensed premises can be opened in the borough. 

The policy proposes to limit the number of lapdancing clubs in Rotherham town centre to a maximum of two, providing they are not too close.

A report to the council’s licensing board said: “It is considered that this limit will allow for any demand for such venues in Rotherham to be met, whilst facilitating commercial competition between premises.

“Although there is residential accommodation within the town centre, it is considered that the late night economy means that it would be an acceptable locality to locate sexual entertainment venues. This will be considered as part of the public consultation.”

There is no proposal to limit the number of sex shops or sex cinemas.

The new policy would require RMBC to adopt a Government amendment introduced in 2010 to address concerns about local authorities having too little power to regulate sex establishments.

The report said: “These provisions allow local authorities to consider and determine applications on potentially wider grounds than is permitted under current law and will give local people a greater say over the regulation of sex establishments in their area.”

Cabinet members are expected vote this month on going to public consultation, after which full council will have the final say on adopting the new rules.