asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will give local authorities increased powers to regulate lap-dancing clubs in their areas by (a) extending the use of the sex encounter establishment licensing category countrywide; and (b) removing the exemption for establishments that possess a premises licence. [HL3806]

The Licensing Act 2003 is able to regulate these premises in relation to any concerns about the four licensing objectives—the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, public safety and the protection of children. However, we are aware that some licensing authorities have concerns about the powers available and feel that they are not adequately able to control these establishments.

We are in the process of providing additional guidance for local authorities on the Licensing Act and how it can be used to deal with lap-dancing clubs. As part of this process, we will be asking licensing authorities for feedback if they still have concerns. This will tell us if the controls under the Licensing Act are sufficient or whether we need to do more to protect local communities.

If we find that there is a need to provide licensing authorities with additional powers to deal with any nuisance or criminal activity associated with lap-dancing establishments, we will consider the full range of options. This could include changes to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which regulates sex encounter establishments (such as sex shops and sex cinemas).