Oxford City Council has responded to Government consultation on the licensing of lap dancing establishments. The Government is deciding whether to expand the definition of "Sex Establishments" to include lap dancing.

Oxford City Council wants lap dancing and similar forms of adult entertainment to come under the same regulations as sex shops and sex cinemas. Although there are currently no local issues about premises providing lap dancing or similar adult entertainment, other councils across the country are experiencing a growth in such activities which are causing serious concerns to local residents, businesses and schools.

Lap dancing does not currently come under the definition of sex establishments, which are regulated under the Local Govt. (Misc. Provisions) Act 1982. Sex shops and sex cinemas are regulated under this Act, which allows councils to limit the number of sex establishments within its area, and licences have to be renewed annually.

Oxford City Council believes that lap dancing and similar entertainment cannot be adequately controlled by councils under the current licensing legislation.

Tony Payne, Licensing Manager, Oxford City Council says, "We want to see lap dancing venues re-categorised as sex establishments, bringing them them under the same regulatory controls necessary for premises such as sex cinemas and sex shops.

"We would then be better placed to limit the number of licences granted and have improved powers to adequately control working practices through licence conditions"

Prior to the current licensing system, the council had powers through Public Entertainment Licences to require a Special Nudity Permission on a licence before lap dancing or similar entertainment could take place. The council always consulted widely on applications and were able to put stringent conditions on licences if this permission was granted. The licence had to be renewed annually and any issues were taken into account at each renewal. Premises needed a separate licence for alcohol.

The Licensing Act 2003, liberalised licensing legislation generally. Licence holders now only need permission on their licence for the performance of dance to be able to start having lap dancing on their premises. The Act takes a 'one size fits all' approach and does not distinguish between lap dancing, ballet, riverdance, clog dancing or any other form of dancing.

Councillor Bob Price, Leader, Oxford City Council says "Bringing in stricter controls is very important so as to give local communities and councillors a greater say in the granting of licences for lap dancing and similar entertainment.