Licensing of sexual entertainment premises

Professor Phil Hubbard is giving evidence as part of a roundtable discussion of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee as the Scottish parliament considers the introduction of new powers to control striptease and sexual entertainment venues. These powers, introduced in England and Wales through the Policing and Crime Act 2009, would allow local authorities in Scotland to exercise greater control over the number and location of striptease clubs. As the author of the only academic studies of the licensing of sexual entertainment premises, including a major ESRC study, Professor Hubbard is offering his insights into the regulation of such premises, and will argue for a pragmatic approach which recognises the legality of such businesses whilst acknowledging the opposition such premises attract in some localities. He will report on his experience of tracking licensing applications and refusals in England and Wales on his SEV Licensing blog.