Agenda item

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection Service regarding proposed new fees relating to the licensing of sex establishments and sexual entertainment venues (for copy see file of Minutes).

In discussing the report Members were informed that the granting of licences had to be cost-neutral and were advised of the factors taken into account in the calculation of the proposed fees which would be reviewed on an annual basis. On-costs were included in the calculation.

The Committee was also provided with the fee levels set by other local authorities in the region, some of which had imposed a different fee for each class of premises. The fee proposed by Durham County Council covered all forms of sex establishments and sexual entertainment venues, and was deemed to be reasonable when measured against these other local authorities.

Resolved:

That the proposed Sexual Entertainment Licensing Fee of £3517 be approved and recommended to Council for adoption.