Cheltenham Borough Council updates Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) policy for improved protections

Following extensive public consultation and a comprehensive review process, Cheltenham Borough Council has formally adopted its updated Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licensing policy, following a full council briefing in June of 2026.

The refreshed framework is designed to reinforce public safety, improve performer welfare standards, and ensure transparent regulatory oversight across the borough's evening and night-time economy.

Operating under Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, the council maintains its established regulatory approach rather than pursuing a zero-limit policy. Local authority leaders noted that a blanket ban would be legally ineffective because national legislation permits venues to host limited entertainment on an infrequent basis without local oversight.

Maintaining a tightly controlled licensing framework ensures that active premises remain fully monitored, safeguarding public interests and upholding strict operational standards.

The updated policy incorporates several key modifications resulting from multi-stage stakeholder consultations:

Designated locality: The permitted area for SEVs aligns closely with the town's accredited Purple Flag area, focusing activity within a well-monitored zone.
Performer welfare: Enhanced conditions have been introduced to guarantee robust rest facilities and private sanitary arrangements, or strictly restricted alternative access provisions for performers.
Management accountability: Licensees must formally notify the council and Gloucestershire Constabulary of a designated person responsible for day-to-day management and immediate compliance.
Discretionary guidance: Strengthened criteria assist the licensing committee in evaluating applications against sensitive locations and community characteristics.

Cllr Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety & communities, said: “The framework balances lawful leisure operations with robust community protection.

“By maintaining structured regulations, we can continue to prioritise transparency, public safety, and rigorous enforcement across the borough.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Cheltenham Borough Council does not take any moral stand in relation to the regulation of sexual entertainment. The current policy recognises that Parliament has made it lawful to operate a sex establishment and that such businesses are a legitimate part of the retail and leisure industries. It is this authority’s role as the Licensing Authority to administer the licensing regime in accordance with the law.

SEVs would continue to operate if they were unlicensed and unregulated, which indicates the public protection and public safety risks are substantially increased. Unlicensed and unregulated SEVs will likely have the opposite effect as an unregulated activity.

Cheltenham Borough Council’s general regulatory approach is one that prefers licensing and, therefore, full regulation of SEVs, as opposed to allowing these venues to operate under the infrequency exemption. The authority recognises that this is a sensitive subject and fully commits to protecting its residents and visitors, and to building a safer society for women and girls.

Cheltenham Borough Council updates Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) policy for improved protections

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