The Scottish Government has introduced legislation which allows councils to license 'Sexual Entertainment Venues' (SEVs) and The City of Edinburgh Council are looking for views from the public as to whether they should adopt these powers or not.
Strip and lapdancing clubs in the capital could be at risk if the council agree to investigate the way they operate.
The definition of a SEV is provided by legislation, and relates to premises providing 'sexual entertainment' - often referred to as 'lap dancing'.
If given the power to license SEVs, the Council will also be able to set a limit on the number of sexual entertainment venues operating in Edinburgh. This could also affect theatres who sometimes provide entertainment of this nature.
At present, Edinburgh’s Licensing Board regulates the sale of alcohol in these venues but there is no specific legislation allowing them to control sexual entertainment in these premises.
According to a background document on the Council's consultation hub : "These powers would allow the Council to improve standards in the industry, ensuring the safety of performers and customers, regulating the impact on the local area and improving local accountability and control. This will be achieved through various means including inspections of premises and joint working with Police Scotland."
The survey ( available here ) asks questions such as "Do you agree that the council should set a maximum number of SEVs in Edinburgh" and asks what limit should be set on the number of SEVs operating in certain areas of the capital such as the city centre .
The public consultation is open until the 17th of August.
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