No sex please we’re Enfield

The Council is consulting on a new licensing policy until 13 January next year which suggests the ban on live sex shows such as lap dancing should remain in force.

The Government has given councils the option of having greater control of sex establishments if they choose to adopt Section 27 of the Policing and Crimes Act (PCA) 2009.

But although licences for sex shops are also controlled by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, adopting the PCA 2009 would effectively allow sex establishments to put on 11 “live displays or performances involving nudity”  a year without a licence.

Council’s must seek residents views if they do not want to adopt Section 27 of the PCA 2009 and Enfield Council has now launched a full scale consultation on its licensing strategies.

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Chris Bond, said: “We have no sex establishments in Enfield and that’s the way we want to keep it.

“We do not accept sex establishments are good harmless fun for consenting adults, they send completely the wrong message to children and young people.

"Enfield is a haven for fair minded people and these establishments add absolutely nothing to the community.”

As well as the proposed ban on live sex shows Enfield Council is also consulting residents on proposals to introduce a Cumulative Impact Policy in Edmonton, Enfield Town and Southgate which if adopted would see applications for licenses for the sale of alcohol, hot food takeaways or entertainment presumed refused past 11pm unless the applicant can show that their premises will not add to the crime, disorder and nuisance in the area.

Most licensed premises in Enfield are currently banned from any type of adult performances, any breach of the conditions could result in a fine of up to £20,000 or a six month jail sentence for the licensee.

Those which are not explicitly banned would require permission to hold such a performance, the Council would not grant consent and would simultaneously review the applicant's licence to insert conditions specifically banning live sex shows from being held.