A new consultation has been launched seeking the public’s views on the licensing of sexual entertainment venues in Aberdeen.
The council’s Licensing Committee resolved on 3 December 2019 to licence sexual entertainment venues. The existing Sexual Entertainment Venue Licensing Policy was approved on 14th December 2021 and became effective from 1st March 2022.
Members of the committee are looking to undertake a formal review of the policy to establish whether it remains fit for purpose and to ensure details such as the numerical limit of premises remain at the appropriate level.
Committee convener Councillor Gill Al-Samarai said: “It is almost three years since our existing policy was introduced and we are encouraging interested parties to make their views known as to whether or not it requires amending.
“In developing the current licensing policy, we took care to balance the freedom of individuals to engage in legal employment and activities with the right to exercise appropriate control and regulation to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of the staff and patrons. The same approach will underpin our consultation and any changes that need to be made to further ensure public safety.”
There are currently six licensed sexual entertainment venues in Aberdeen city centre, although it is thought that one of the premises is not currently operating as a sexual entertainment venue and another of the premises is currently up for sale.
It was previously decided that there should be zero licenced sexual entertainment venues outwith Aberdeen city centre, as locations outside the city centre were deemed not suitable for the licensable activity.
The committee is seeking views on:
- the appropriate number of sexual entertainment venues in Aberdeen city centre;
- whether the number of sexual entertainment venue premises outwith Aberdeen city centre should remain at zero; and
- what matters should be taken into consideration in any amendments of the existing policy.
Premises are classed as a sexual entertainment venue if:
- sexual entertainment is provided before a live audience for the direct or indirect financial benefit of the organiser;
- sexual entertainment is any live performance or live display of nudity provided for the sole or principal purpose of sexual stimulation of members of the audience.
Premises where sexual entertainment is provided on no more than four occasions in a 12-month period are not to be treated as sexual entertainment venues.
To take part in the consultation: Sexual Entertainment Venue Licensing Policy Consultation 2025
The consultation ends on 31 July and feedback received will be included in the report to Licensing Committee on 27 August 2025.