Application to licence a sex shop

Salford City Council enforce schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which covers the licensing of sex establishments.

A sex shop is defined as any premises, vehicle, vessel, or stall used for a business that consists to a significant degree of selling, hiring, exchanging, lending, displaying, or demonstrating sex articles or other things intended for use in connection with or for stimulating or encouraging sexual activity or acts of force or restraint associated with sexual activity. The Act also clarifies that a sex shop does not include the exhibition of moving pictures solely for the purpose of sexual stimulation. 

There are no licensed sex shops in the city of Salford at the present time.

The main purpose of applications under Schedule 3 is to allow local authorities to regulate sex establishments in the public interest. This includes granting permission for the sale of legally restricted material, such as R18-rated videos classified by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), and ensuring such businesses operate lawfully and responsibly.

Certain factors need to be considered when application for a sex shop licence is made. These factors will include whether or not the premises are in an inappropriate location, for example near a school, a place of worship or family shopping area.

All applications must be advertised in the local press. In addition, where the application is in respect of a premise, a notice must be displayed outside the premises. The present application fee is £4,500.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact a member of the licensing team - email licensing@salford.gov.uk.

This page was last updated on 8 December 2025