You must not begin operating a sex establishment until your application for a licence is granted.
Application form - Download and complete
Sex establishment licence application form (MS Word document)
You must pay for your sex establishment licence application and email a copy of your payment receipt along with your application to licensing@hounslow.gov.uk.
Who can use this service
The definition of sex establishment includes:
- sex cinemas, at which R18-certificate films can be shown
- sex shops, which are premises, vehicles or stalls used for selling, displaying or demonstrating sex articles (which may include R18-certificate videos and DVDs) or other things used in connection with sexual activity or acts of force or restraint associated therewith
- sexual entertainment venues, which are premises at which entertainment comprising live sexually stimulating performances or displays of nudity is provided in front of an audience, for the financial gain of the organiser or performers. Provision of such entertainment on no more than 11 occasions per year, with at least a calendar month between each occasion, will not require a sex establishment licence.
Applicants for sex establishment licences must be over 18, and not be disqualified from holding a licence (for example, because they have been refused a licence in the previous 12 months, unless that refusal was subsequently overturned on appeal).
Policy
Sex establishment policy (PDF)
Guidance document
Sex establishment guidance (PDF)
Costs for this service
Please click below if you would like to see a copy of the schedule of fees
What you need to know
You can submit your application by post or email, including your completed form, drawings, and any other required documents to:
Licensing Team
London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow House
7 Bath Road
Hounslow
Middlesex
TW3 3EB
Telephone: 020 8583 5555
Email: licensing@hounslow.gov.uk
You must also register your sex establishment with the Hounslow Food Safety Team, which is free. Please complete the application form.
