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  3. Licences, permits and registrations
  4. Sex establishments
  5. Licence applications, renewals, variations and transfers

Local council elections - Polling stations now open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May

Here’s what you need to know to vote in person on Thursday 7 May.

  • Polling stations are open 7am to 10pm - check your poll card or the 'Where do I vote?' website for yours
  • Bring photo ID - you cannot vote without an accepted form of ID
  • You do not need your poll card - if you are registered, you can vote
  • All our polling stations are wheelchair accessible and staff are there to help
  • If you have a disability, find out what we can provide to help you vote at your polling station

Read all you need to know on our local council election 2026 page.

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Licence applications, renewals, variations and transfers

We have determined there is a sufficient number of sex establishments operating in Islington. However, we will consider each application on its merit.

We send current licence holders invoices for renewal fees and the required renewal application forms. If you are looking to transfer or make a variation to a licence, please contact the sex establishment licensing team.

If you are looking to apply for a new licence, please follow the instructions below. 

  1. Overview
  2. After you apply
  1. Grounds for refusing applications
  2. Apply

Overview

We have determined that there are a sufficient number of sex shops, sex cinemas and sexual entertainment venues currently operating in the borough and we do not want to see an increase in the numbers of premises that are currently providing these activities. We have adopted a policy to limit the number of sexual entertainment venues in the borough to ‘nil’.  However we will consider each application on its merit although new applicants will have to demonstrate why we should depart from our policy.

Applicants are advised to read our 'Sex establishment policy' before applying for a licence.

Possible exemptions

Premises that hold events involving full or partial nudity less than once a month may be exempt from the requirements to obtain a sex establishment licence and potential applicants are advised to contact us for further advice.

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Data protection: We will handle your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and in accordance with the council’s Fair Processing Notice.