When you need a licence
An entire premises or part of a premises that sell R18 (adult) videos and DVDs and other sex articles are required to have a licence.
If you operate a cinema where a significant percentage of the films shown are concerned primarily with or related to, or are intended to stimulate, sexual activity you may also need a licence.
A licence may be issued for part use or whole use of the premises.
Who can apply for a licence
You must:
- be at least 18 years old
- not be disqualified from holding a licence
- have been resident in the UK at least 6 months immediately before the application or, if a body corporate, must be incorporated in the UK
Information you need to provide
You'll need to include:
- a site plan (scale 1/500) showing the premises in relation to other premises within 100 metres
- plans of the premises (scale 1/50) in respect of which the licence is sought
- drawings showing the front elevation as existing and as proposed
- copies of the Memoranda and Articles of Association of the Company – if you're applying as a company
- a certified copy of the partnership deed – if the application is being made on behalf of a partnership
- 2 full face photographs of each of the individuals names in questions 2, 3 and 5. The reverse of each photograph must be signed and dated and bear the persons name in capital letters
How much it costs
Application fees for whole and part use and the annual fee.
| Part A application fee | Part B grant fee | Total cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole use - new application | £3,398.50 | £1,348.50 | £4,747 |
| Whole use - renewal or variation of existing application | £1,806.50 | £817.50 | £2,624 |
| Part use - new application | £1,806.50 | £699.50 | £2,506 |
| Part use - renewal or variation of existing application | £794 | £309 | £1,103 |
| Transfer of an existing licence | £502 | £531 | £1,033 |
How to apply
You can either:
- apply online
- by post
Apply by post
Download the application for a sex establishment licence (Doc, 66.5KB)
You'll need to send your completed application to the Licensing Team and include:
- your supporting documents
- a copy of your premises notice
- a cheque payable to Croydon Council
Licensing Team
Licensing Team
10 Floor, Zone B
Bernard Weatherill House
8 Mint Walk
Croydon
CR0 1EA
Telephone: 020 8760 5466
Email: licensing@croydon.gov.uk.
Display a premises notice
A notice of the application must be displayed in a prominent place on the exterior of the premises visible 24 hours a day for a continuous period of 21 days.
Download the premises notice (Doc, 51KB)
Display a newspaper notice
A notice outlining the details of the application must also be published in a local newspaper within 7 days of the submission of the application.
Download the newspaper notice (Doc, 51KB)
After you've applied
Once your application is received, we will consult with the Licensing Police and the Planning Department.
The licence is valid for one year and operates from the 1 March to 28 February, however, you may apply for a licence at any time during the year.
Inspections
A licensing officer will contact you to make arrangements to carry out an inspection of your premises.
The inspection will be to ensure that the premises meet the standards in the licensing conditions. Click on the download below to view the conditions.
If your licence application is refused or you object to your licensing conditions
Any person who is refused a licence, or who objects to any of the licensing conditions attached to a licence, can appeal to Croydon Magistrates Court, Barclay Road, Croydon CR9 3NG.
All applications shall be referred to the Councils Licensing Committee regardless of whether or not any objections have been received.
Renewing your licence
If you already hold a licence you will automatically be sent a renewal letter approximately one month before the expiry date. You can pay the renewal fee online.
You can pay by credit or debit card by calling 020 8760 5466.
Consumer complaint
We would always advise in the first instance that in the event of a complaint you make contact with the trader. If you are not satisfied with their response please contact the licensing team.
Licensing team
Croydon Council
3rd Floor, Zone B
8 Mint Walk, Bernard Weatherill House
Croydon CR0 1EA
United Kingdom