Apply for a sex establishment licence

Use this guide to help you when applying for a sex establishment licence.

Right of appeal

Any applicant who is refused a licence, or refused the renewal of a licence, may appeal to the local magistrates' court within 21 days of being notified of the refusal. However, the right to appeal does not apply where:

  • the licence was refused on the grounds that the number of sex establishments in the area exceeds the number which the authority consider is appropriate
  • the grant of the licence would be inappropriate considering the character of the area, the nature of other premises in the area, or the premises themselves.

A licence holder may also appeal to the local magistrates' court against:

  • a condition or restriction imposed on a licence
  • the refusal of a variation of a licence
  • the revocation of a licence.

You must do this within 21 days of receiving notification of our decision.

It is also possible to appeal to the crown court against a magistrates' court decision.