The Licensing and Regulatory Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to review the council's Sex Establishment Licensing Policy. The policy, which regulates sex shops, sex cinemas, and sex entertainment venues, was reviewed to ensure its continued fitness for purpose for the next three years.

Proposed Changes to LBBD Sex Establishment Policy

The committee considered suggested changes to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham's Sex Establishment Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. These changes were largely minor, involving updates to the borough crest, page references, and aligning the policy's visions, priorities, and principles with the current corporate plan. A clarification was made that brothels are illegal in the UK and are not covered by this policy. The word nil has been changed to zero for clarity.

During the discussion, Sarah Newman, Head of Regulatory Services, explained that the policy is a refresh and does not significantly alter the existing framework. She confirmed that there is currently only one licensed sex establishment in the borough and that the updated policy is not retrospective, meaning it will not affect its current license. Newman also assured councillors that there had been no reports of concerns regarding sex trafficking or underage activity associated with the existing establishment.

The policy is intended to guide future applications. While the council has a presumption against granting new licenses, each application will be considered on its own merits. Councillors discussed the definition of relevant locality and in the vicinity, opting to maintain flexibility rather than setting a fixed distance, to allow for nuanced decision-making. The committee noted that the definition of occasional adult entertainment could be revisited when the broader licensing policy is next reviewed, rather than making amendments to the sex establishment policy at this time.

The consultation period for the policy changes was four weeks, and two responses were received. Councillors questioned whether a longer consultation might have yielded more feedback, but officers felt that given the minor nature of the changes, the period was sufficient. The financial implications of the policy update were stated as negligible due to the low number of licensed premises.

The committee agreed with the suggested changes presented in the report. This included making it explicit that the policy is not retrospective and that all applications undergo due process. The committee also agreed with the officers' recommendation that no changes were necessary regarding human rights or the public sector equality duty, as the policy's principles remain consistent. The committee's agreement with the suggested changes supports the council's aim to continue enforcing its provisions and supporting the priorities of keeping residents safe and promoting inclusive growth.

The agreed changes will be incorporated into the final document, which will then be presented to the Cabinet. The committee agreed with the suggested changes to the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy.