The Statutory Licensing Sub Committee of Swansea Council met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to consider an application for a sex establishment licence for SWON, a proposed sex shop at 38 Singleton Street, Swansea. The committee decided to grant the licence, subject to standard conditions.

Application for a Sex Establishment Licence for SWON

The committee considered an application from Nyro House Limited for a licence to operate a sex shop named SWON at 38 Singleton Street, Swansea. The proposed opening hours were Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Licensing Officer, Lindsey Stock, presented the report, outlining the legal framework for licensing sex establishments under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. She explained that the council's policy designates the city centre and areas outside the city centre as relevant localities, with an appropriate number of zero sex establishments in both areas unless varied by the council. The policy also outlines a presumption against licensing if a sex establishment is located near schools, cultural facilities, places of worship, or facilities frequented by vulnerable people.

Councillor Mark Tribe, the Ward Councillor for Sketty, raised concerns about the proximity of the proposed shop to the Grand Theatre, which hosts a stage school, and to adult drop-in centres and places of worship. He also questioned the proposed Sunday opening hours.

Representations were received from three individuals. Jillian Evans, the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Partnership Development Manager for Swansea Council, spoke on behalf of the Swansea VAWDASV Partnership. She expressed significant concerns that the sex shop's proximity to the Swansea VAWDASV One Stop Shop, located at 35-36 Singleton Street, would be incompatible with the character of the locality and the use of neighbouring premises. The One Stop Shop provides support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and exploitation. Ms. Evans highlighted that the environment surrounding support services is crucial for the safety and dignity of those accessing them, particularly those who have experienced sexual violence.

Another objector, who works at the Domestic Violence Support Service at 35 Singleton Street, stated that street drinking and drug use in the alleyway next to the premises were already causing clients to stay away, and a sex establishment would exacerbate this.

Eve Goodman, the director and owner of Nyro House Limited, presented the application. She explained that SWON would be an inclusive, sex-positive, female-owned and operated retail shop, focusing on community, consent, education, inclusion, and dignity. Ms. Goodman, who has 11 years of experience managing a previous sex shop in Swansea, stated that her shop would not involve any sexual activity or performances. She emphasised that the shop's frontage would be discreet, with mirrored stickers on the windows to prevent views into the shop, and a partition inside the entrance. She also highlighted that the entrance to the One Stop Shop is around the corner and not directly adjacent to her proposed premises. Ms. Goodman stated that she did not intend to open on Sundays, Good Friday, or Christmas Day, despite applying for those hours to maintain flexibility. She also addressed concerns about the proximity to the Grand Theatre, stating that her shop's entrance is set back and discreet, and that families attending the theatre would not be unduly affected. She also noted that the area already has several licensed premises, including a music venue and a bar.

Councillor Philip Downing asked about the proposed use of performance areas mentioned in the application documents, which Ms. Goodman clarified were guidance notes and not intended for use. Councillor Tribe questioned Ms. Goodman about the potential for confusion between her shop's name, SWON, and the established SWAN project which supports sex workers. Ms. Goodman stated she was unaware of the SWAN project and that the name was a coincidence.

The committee discussed the visual impact of the shop's frontage and the location of the entrance, which is down an alleyway rather than directly on Singleton Street. Photographs of the proposed shop frontage and the surrounding area were presented.

The committee deliberated on the application, considering the representations made and the council's licensing policy. They noted that while the proximity to the One Stop Shop was a significant concern, the applicant's proposed discreet frontage, adult-only policy, and commitment to a challenge 25 policy were mitigating factors. The committee also acknowledged the applicant's track record and her stated intention to complement, rather than undermine, the work of the One Stop Shop.

The committee resolved to grant the licence subject to the standard conditions for sex establishments, as outlined in Appendix B of the reports pack. This included a condition that permission must be obtained from the local authority for Sunday hours, which the applicant had requested. The decision was made on the individual merits of the application and the representations received, in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and the council's Sex Establishment Licensing Policy.