Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) - Licence and permit applications

The 1982 Act allows the Council to issue a licence for a maximum period of one year. A licence can also be issued for a shorter period, if it is deemed appropriate.

the current application fees are:

• New licence - £1752
• Renewal licence - £1752

Please note we do not accept paper application forms, postal application forms, cash or cheque payments.  We only accept electronic licence application forms and payments submitted using our electronic submission form

You should upload your completed application form, all required supporting documentation and make payment using our online submission form 

Please also note that all licence application fees are non refundable, you can download our refunds policy for more information. Any requests for a refund due to exceptional circumstances should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ or by email to: licensing@edinburgh.gov.uk 

Please note we do not accept paper application forms, postal application forms, cash or cheque payments.  We only accept electronic licence application forms and payments submitted using our electronic submission form

You should upload your completed application form, all required supporting documentation and make payment using our online submission form 

An application for the grant, variation, renewal or transfer of licence must include the following:

• a fully completed application form
• the correct application fee
• a detailed layout plan of the premises
• a copy of the 'house rules' for performers 
• a copy of the code of conduct for patrons
• picture/s or sketches of the exteriors design of the premises
• a copy of the newspaper advertisement*

*Note within seven days of the application being lodged with the Council, the applicant must also publish an advertisement of the application in a local newspaper within Edinburgh. A suggested form of advertisement is available to download.  A copy of the newspaper in which the advertisement appears must then be lodged with the Licensing Service within 3 days of the publication

Any application submitted without all required documentation cannot be accepted for processing and as such will be returned.

There are certain venues that are not regarded as a SEV under the 1982 Act. These are:

• sex shops within the meaning under the 1982 Act
• premises at which sexual entertainment is provided on a particular occasion if:
  • sexual entertainment has not been provided on more than three occasions which fall wholly or partly within the period of 12 months ending with the start of the particular occasion
  • each continuous period during which sexual entertainment is provided on the premises is to be treated as a separate occasion
  • where the period during which sexual entertainment is provided on the premises exceeds 24 hours, each period of 24 hours (and any part of a period of 24 hours) is to be treated as a separate occasion
• other premises exempted by an order of the Scottish Ministers - note no premiseshave currently been exempted by such an order

It is strongly recommended that you take your own independent legal advice on whether or not you may be operating a SEV within the legal definition and require to apply for a SEV licence.

Please ensure you have read the sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) policy statement before applying.

Please also note that all licence application fees are non refundable, you can download our refunds policy for more information. Any requests for a refund due to exceptional circumstances should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ or by email to: licensing@edinburgh.gov.uk

Download the notes for guidance
Download an application form
Downwload a site notice
Download a suggested form of advertisement

Please note we do not accept paper application forms, postal application forms, cash or cheque payments.  We only accept electronic licence application forms and payments submitted using our electronic submission form

You should upload your completed application form, all required supporting documentation and make payment using our online submission form 

Donwload a copy of the current standard conditions