Gwynedd Council starts consultation over regulation of sex establishments in bid to extend powers

Gwynedd Council is carrying out a public consultation on adopting powers to enable the regulation and licensing of sex establishments throughout the county.

Adopting Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 would give the council the legal right to regulate and license sex establishments, including:

• sex shops (selling goods of a sexual nature);
• sex cinemas;
• sexual entertainment venues (business premises which regularly host live entertainment of a sexual nature).

Councillor Gareth Griffith, the cabinet member for environmental and licensing matters, said: “The adoption of Schedule 3 would enable the council to effectively regulate and license sex establishments throughout the county.

“At present, the council only has the power to regulate and license certain types of sex establishments – sex shops and sex cinemas – in the Arfon area of the county.

“We intend to extend these powers in the Dwyfor and Meirionnydd areas.

“We also want to make sure that a license is required to open sexual entertainment venues anywhere in the county.

“Historically, there have been very few requests to locate such establishments in Gwynedd and by doing this we can ensure that such establishments are run in a lawful, safe and appropriate way.

“It will also ensure that the number, location and nature of these establishments are suitable for the communities of Gwynedd.

“If the council does not adopt Schedule 3, sex establishments will continue to be able to operate without any means for the council to manage them.

“There is an opportunity for individuals, groups and businesses to comment, and I would encourage that anyone who wants to have their say to take part in the public consultation.”

The public consultation will be open until 23 August, 2021 and will be available on the council’s website www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/licensingsexestablishments

If you have any questions about the consultation, or require a large print version, Braille, other languages etc, please contact licensing@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or 01766 771000 to discuss your requirements.

Main image: “Façade de sex-shop” by zigazou76 is licensed under CC BY 2.0