To run a sex shop (any premises selling sex toys, books or videos) you may need a licence. To run a venue where explicit films are shown to members of the public, you may also need a licence.
However, you may apply to the council requesting them to waive the requirement of a licence.
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
To apply for a licence you must:
Before making an application, we recommend that you read our guidance notes.
To make an application, you will need to provide us with:
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please email licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk.
| Item | Fee |
| Deposit (non-refundable) | £1298.58 |
| Initial application (remainder) | £1298.58 |
| Subsequent fee | £665.52 |
| Transfer or variation | £665.52 |
| Item | Fee |
| Deposit (non-refundable) | £2100.00 |
| Initial application (remainder) | £2591.40 |
| Subsequent fee | £2591.40 |
| Transfer or variation | £942.90 |
During the consultation period, a public notice must be put on display outside the premises for a period of no less than 21 consecutive days (from the date of the application). The public notice must be prominently displayed on a part of the premises where it can easily be seen and read by people in the street or any adjoining public place. Large premises or buildings which are set back from the main thoroughfare may require more than one notice at our discretion.
In addition, a public notice must be published in the local newspaper no later than 7 days after the date of the application. A copy of the notice must be sent to the licensing section at the council.
We will consult with Gloucestershire Constabulary.
Having received all comments and public representations and taking into account the standard conditions, your application will be heard by this council's licensing committee.
If your application is granted you will be informed in writing and issued with a licence to display inside the main entrance of the premises, with any special conditions attached (which are additional to our general conditions) that are deemed necessary by the officers or members of the licensing committee.
A sex establishment licence can be transferred at any time.
To transfer your licence you must:
During the consultation period, a public notice must be put on display outside the premises for a period of no less than 21 consecutive days (from the date of the application). The public notice must be prominently displayed on a part of the premises where it can easily be seen and read by persons in the street or any adjoining public place. Large premises or buildings which are set back from the main thoroughfare may require more than one notice at our discretion.
In addition, a public notice must be published in the local newspaper no later than 7 days after the date of the application. A copy of the notice must be sent to the licensing section at the council.
Your application will be determined by delegated authority if no valid objections are received. If we do receive valid objections, your application will be referred to the licensing committee.
Please contact us in the first instance.
Any applicant who is refused a licence, or refused the renewal of a licence, may, within 21 days of being notified of the refusal, appeal to the local magistrates' court.
However, the right to appeal does not apply where the licence was refused on the grounds that:
Please contact Cheltenham Borough Council in the first instance.
A licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition can appeal to a local magistrates' court.
Licence holders may at any time apply to us for a variation of the terms, conditions or restrictions in their licence.
If an application for a variation is refused, or if the licence is revoked, the licence holder may, within 21 days of being notified of the imposition of, or the refusal to vary, the term, condition or restriction in question, or of the revocation, appeal to the local magistrates' court.
A licence holder may also appeal to the crown court against a decision of a magistrates' court.
Any person objecting to an application for the grant, renewal or transfer of a licence may give written notice of their objection to the relevant authority, stating the grounds of the objection, within 28 days of the date of the application.
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, citizens advice consumer service will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European consumer centre.
© Cheltenham Borough Council 2026
