Barking and Dagenham Council is reviewing its Sex Establishment Licensing Policy to ensure it remains fit for purpose for the next three years. The current policy applies to sex shops, sex cinemas and sex entertainment venues.
The Licensing and Regulatory Committee met on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, to discuss proposed changes to the LBBD Sex Establishment Policy. The council acts as the local licensing authority for sex establishments under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2009.
According to the Public Reports Pack, a review of the current policy was undertaken to ensure it aligns with current needs and provides an updated framework for the coming years. Consultation on the proposed changes took place with the single licensed premises, councillors, internal and external stakeholders, and the public, ending on 12 November 2025.
Key proposed changes to the policy include aligning the visions, priorities, and principles with the current corporate plan, adding eight key principles, clarifying that brothels are not included in the definition of sex establishments, and changing the word 'nil' to 'zero' regarding the appropriate number of licensed sex establishments in any relevant locality.
Currently, there is only one licensed sex establishment in Barking and Dagenham, a sex shop located in Dagenham.
Sarah Newman, Head of Regulatory Services, presented the report to the committee, stating that the changes were minimal
and included updating the borough crest, page references, visions, priorities and principles to align with the current corporate plan. She also clarified that brothels are not included in the policy's definition and changed the word 'nil' to 'zero' regarding the appropriate number of licensed sex establishments.
During the meeting, councillors raised questions about the existing licensed premises. Responding to a question about whether there had been any reports of concern, Sarah Newman said, Absolutely not, no. Very quiet and business-like.
Cllr Regina Rahman asked about the proximity of the current establishment to schools or places of worship. Sarah Newman responded that the policy is for future applications and that the current premises has a license to operate. She offered to find out the requested information for Cllr Rahman.
Cllr Julia Williams inquired about the future of the existing shop, given its location in a residential area. Sarah Newman clarified that the current operator is safe, but any changes to the license or business model would be subject to committee review.
The committee discussed feedback from the public consultation, which included a suggestion to clarify that the policy is not retrospective and to ensure that all applications go through due process. The committee agreed with these suggestions. Further concerns and suggestions raised during the public consultation are detailed in Appendix D, which was provided to the committee members. The meeting minutes indicate that the committee reviewed these comments and suggested responses.
Cllr Victoria Hornby asked how the consultation was carried out. Sarah Newman responded that it was done by email to members and the premises that already has a license, and there was an online consultation for the public, which was advertised through social media.
The council may revoke the license of a sex establishment if it violates the terms of its license. As stated in the Public Reports Pack, The Council may, after giving the holder of a licence an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by them, at any time revoke the licence on any of the grounds specified above for the refusal of a licence.
The Licensing and Regulatory Committee agreed with the suggested changes to the LBBD Sex Establishment Policy, which will now go to cabinet for final approval.
