Barking & Dagenham - Opt for zero SEV policy

At their Assembly meeting on 20^th November, Barking & Dagenham opted for a zero SEV (Sexual Entertainment Venue) policy.

An extract from the meeting’s report, which includes feedback from public consultation, the revised policy (to be reviewed in 2022), and a set of standard SEV conditions (which will be applied to all new licences) can be found here.

Although a zero policy was adopted, which means that the members feel that zero SEV premises is the appropriate number for their area, each application for a licence will be considered on its own merits.  The adopted policy reads:

“The Council will continue to consider applications and to consider each application upon its own individual merits, but it is expected that this policy will be strictly applied and licences will therefore only be granted in exceptional circumstances. The ability of an applicant to demonstrate that they are of good character and could provide a high standard of management will not alone constitute exceptional circumstances.”