February 14, 2019 3.20 pm This story is over 61 months old

Cost of licences to thrill to increase

It will be the first rise the council has had since 2014
The cost of running a sex-based business is set to rise in North East Lincolnshire.

Getting a licence to thrill could be set to cost more in North East Lincolnshire if councillors consent next week.

The authority’s licensing committee will be considering license fees on Wednesday, including sex entertainment venues, sex cinemas and sex shops.

According to a report it will now cost £1,620 (up from £1,486) to apply for a new premises licences, and £1,124 (up from £1,032) to renew annually and transfer the licence to someone else.

This will be the first rise the council has had since 2014 and the resultant flow of cash will cover its costs.

The report warns: “There is a risk that unlicensed establishments may operate illegally if an effective regime and fees structure is not in place.

“There are potential positive reputational implications in relation to effective implementation of this legislation although the proposed increase in fees may not be well received by some sections of the trade,” it adds.

The authority only currently has one sex establishment licence issued to a business in Cleethorpes.

Elsewhere hackney carriage and private hire drivers licences will also shift up a gear, including from £234 to £244 for a new three year licence, or £192/£189 respectively for one year – up from £175/171.

New operators licences including for one vehicle will increase to £506 for five years from £440.

Reports before the council warn of “a risk of crime if administration of the licensing regime is inadequate” but say there costs are considered “value for money”.

It says: “There is a risk to the social and economic well-being of the Borough if appropriate fees are not set and required work is not undertaken.”

Additional collections will also be added to scrap dealers who will face costs including a £10 rise to £500 for owning a single site, and an increase to £264 (up from £227) for each additional site.

The effective implementation of this legislation is designed to the control of scrap metal dealers and prevention of crime associated with scrap metal,” says the report.

However, it adds: “The rights of currently licensed operators must be maintained.”