Statement of Licensing Policy (2008) WCC - Westminster City Council

Introduction/definition2.5.53 The Government’s application forms for Operating Schedules indicates applicants tospecify in their operating schedule anything which may give rise to concern in respectof children. This would include whether they propose to have entertainment involvingnudity, striptease, or any other activity involving full or partial nudity, eg toplesswaitresses etc, or sex related entertainment such as the showing of fi lms or otherrecordings with a restricted 18 category (R18). Revised Guidance (paragraph 10.31)states that other than in the context of fi lm classifi cation, censorship of the contentof regulated entertainment is not a proper function of licensing law, and cannot beproperly related to the licensing objectives. The council as the Licensing Authoritydoes not seek to censor the content of regulated entertainment. As revised Guidancepoints out (paragraphs 2.17, 10.31), indecency is covered by other legislation. Thecouncil in its role as the Licensing Authority seeks to limit the number, and location ofpremises offering sex related entertainment, in pursuit of the licensing objectives of theprevention of crime disorder and preventing of nuisance. It seeks to regulate the wayin which this type of entertainment is conducted in order to prevent crime and disorder,and to protect children from harm.Nudity, striptease and sex related entertainmentPolicy NS1(i)(ii(iii)(iv)Applications involving nudity or striptease or sex related entertainment will onlybe granted in exceptional circumstances and if the proposal meets the relevantcriteria specifi ed in Policies CD1, PS1, PN1, CH1 and HRS1.Applications will be subject to appropriate conditions which promote thelicensing objectives.Applications will not be granted in proximity to:a) residential accommodationb) schoolsc) places of worshipd) community facilities or public buildings.The Licensing Authority will have regard to the cumulative effect of the numberof such premises in proximity to each other and in the vicinity.75