Views sought on sexual entertainment venues

12 March 2020

Aberdeen City Council’s Licensing team has opened an online survey to gather opinions on its policy statement relating to Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEV) in Aberdeen.

At present there is no legal requirement for SEV to be licensed in Scotland other than for the sale of alcohol in those premises (Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005).

Premises are classed as a SEV if sexual entertainment is provided before a live audience for the direct or indirect financial benefit of the organiser. ​

Sexual entertainment is any live performance or live display of nudity provided for the sole or principal purpose of sexual stimulation of members of the audience. ​

Premises where sexual entertainment is provided on no more than four occasions in a 12-month period are not to be treated as Sexual Entertainment Venues.

The Licensing Committee in December 2019 took the decision to adopt the licensing of SEVs and in order to develop a policy statement on the licensing of SEVs within Aberdeen the committee is seeking views on: ​

the appropriate number and location of SEVs in Aberdeen; and​

what matters should be taken into consideration in the development of the SEV policy statement. ​

Councillor John Reynolds, Convener of Licensing Committee, Aberdeen City Council said: “When developing the SEV Licensing Policy, care will be taken to balance the freedom of individuals to engage in legal employment and activities with the right to exercise appropriate control and regulation to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of the staff and patrons. In turn, citizens should also benefit from a safe, regulated environment.” ​

The purpose of the legislation and the question for the Licensing Committee is one of public safety and not one of morality.

To take part in the survey, please click on https://consultation.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corporate-governance/sexual-entertainment-venue-licensing-sev/

The survey closes on Friday 10 April 2020.