The Community Services Manager introduced the report which set out a review of the current Swale Sex Establishments and Sexual Entertainments Policy 2021 – 2024.

The Chair invited Members to make comments which included:

·         Condition 13 was not clear and thought it could be made clearer by changing the wording to ‘any gender’;

·         there were a wide range of terms that would be listed in the policy but thought that overall the policy covered most topics; and

·         concerned that there was no reference to human trafficking offences in the policy.

The Community Services Manager responded to points raised and explained that the policy was mainly directed by the Legislation that it had to follow and for human trafficking cases her team would investigate those issues under the safeguarding policies that were in place.

Councillor Derek Carnell proposed the recommendation and this was seconded by the Vice-Chair.

Resolved:

(1)   That the Swale Statement of Licensing Policy for Sex Establishments and Sexual Entertainments Venues 2024 – 2027 be adopted and published to come into effect on 1 October 2024.