A CONSULTATION on the licensing of sexual entertainment venues in South Ayrshire is set to close.

The Scottish Government has passed legislation which allows local authorities to decide if they wish to license sexual entertainment venues (SEVs). 

A sexual entertainment venue is defined as any premises at which sexual entertainment is provided before a live audience for, or with a view to, the financial gain of the organiser.

Following an initial consultation carried out in Autumn 2019, South Ayrshire Council decided in February 2020 that a licensing regime should be adopted to license and regulate SEVs.

The pandemic delayed introduction of the licensing regime, and new implementation dates were agreed by the council on March 12, 2024.

The council intends to implement the new licensing regime on May 1 next year and a second consultation is now being carried out.

The consultation results will be considered at a meeting of the council's cabinet on November 26 and the licensing policy will be finalised and published in mid-March 2025.

A council spokesperson said: "South Ayrshire Council has decided that a licensing regime should be adopted to license and regulate SEVs.

"The previous consultation sought views on the standard conditions to be included in SEV licences, and the responses received will be reflected in the council's SEV policy.

"In this second consultation, views are sought on what the appropriate number of SEVs in South Ayrshire, or localities within South Ayrshire, should be, and what locations would, or would not, be appropriate."

Comments can be emailed to licensing@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or sent by post to Karen Briggs, service lead - legal and licensing, South Ayrshire Council, Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1DR.

The consultation is open until October 11, and more information can be found at south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/78270/Consultation-on-licensing-of-Sexual-Entertainment-Venues.