Stronger regulations for sexual entertainment venues in Cheltenham

Their will be more robust regulation for venues like strip clubs and gentlemen's clubs in the town

Cheltenham Borough Council have updated the policy for Sexual Entertainment Venues in the town.
Author: Sarah RowlandsPublished 15th Sep 2026

Cheltenham Borough Council has brought in an updated policy for Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs), following an extensive public consultation and a formal council briefing.

Several changes were brought in to ensure SEVs remain safe and regulated for staff and customers.

Any Sexual Entertainment Venues that are licensed in Cheltenham should be located within what is known as a Purple Flag area. This is the part of the town centre already recognised and managed as a safe, supervised night-time economy area, rather than being spread across the borough.

The consultation has also resulted in more regulation around performer welfare.

This includes robust rest facilities and private sanitary arrangements, or strictly restricted alternative access provisions for performers.

Licensees must formally notify the council and Gloucestershire Constabulary of a designated person responsible for day-to-day management and immediate compliance.

The Licensing Committee will also be granted greater policy backing to consider the specific character of an area and nearby sensitive sites when making decisions on SEV applications.

Cllr Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety & communities, said, “The framework balances lawful leisure operations with robust community protection.

She added, “By maintaining structured regulations, we can continue to prioritise transparency, public safety, and rigorous enforcement across the borough.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.