Licensing Services
Sex Shop Licence
If you own a sex shop, you may need a licence from South Ayrshire Council.
You may also apply to South Ayrshire Council, requesting that they waive the requirement
of a licence.
You must give notice of your application by publishing an advertisement in a newspaper
specified by South Ayrshire Council within seven days of the application. Notice
of the application must also be displayed for 21 days, from the date of the application,
on or near the premises in a place where the notice can conveniently be read by
the public.
How to apply
The links below take you to another website which processes these applications on behalf of South Ayrshire Council
What happens next?
The applicant must put up a notice near the premises for 21 days beginning with
the date of the application. This must state that an application has been made,
details of the application, eg the applicant's name and address, that objections
and representations can be made and how they can be made. Once the notice has been
up for 21 days the applicant must submit a certificate of compliance to South Ayrshire
Council. The Council will need the certificate before they can make a final decision
on the application.
South Ayrshire Council will send a copy of the application to the local chief constable
and to the appropriate relevant authority (or where applicable the enforcing authority
under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005).
South Ayrshire Council must consider any representations when assessing the application.
They must give the applicant notice in writing of any representations but will not
give the name and address of the person making the representations unless they consent.
They may hear representations before making a decision. They may also make any investigations
they feel are necessary before considering the application.
If South Ayrshire Council intend to take into account a representation and they
have not given the person who made it or the applicant the opportunity to be heard,
they must give the applicant the chance to notify them in writing on the applicant's
views to the objection or representation. A reasonable period must be allowed, which
can be no less than seven days.
The enforcing or relevant authority may be the Health & Safety Executive, the
fire service or South Ayrshire Council.
It is in the public interest that the South Ayrshire Council must process your application
before it can be granted. We would expect to process your application within 183
calendar days or 131 working days. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable
period, please contact us.
Will Tacit Consent Apply
Yes, where the local authority fails to make a decision within six months of receipt of the
application, the licence is deemed to be granted or renewed.
What if I have been refused approval?
Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first
instance.
If you wish to make representations about an application you must do so in writing
to South Ayrshire Council within 28 days of either, the application, the date the
application was advertised or any other date given, whichever is later.
If you wish to appeal against a decision you may do so to the local sheriff within
28 days of the decision. The sheriff can only uphold an appeal if they consider
that South Ayrshire Council:
- erred in law
- used incorrect material fact when making their decision
- acted contrary to natural justice
- didn't exercise their discretion in a reasonable manner
Appeals against a sheriff's decision can be made to the Court of Session within
28 days of the decision.
Consumer complaints
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made
with the service provider by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of
delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice or you can
contact us directly. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
If you wish to make representations about an application you must do so in writing
to South Ayrshire Council within 28 days of either, the application, the date the
application was advertised or any other date given, whichever is later.
Who to contact
Licensing Services
South Ayrshire Council
County Buildings
Wellington Square
Ayr KA7 1DR
Tel: 01292 617682
Trade Associations
Not applicable