GWYNEDD Council is carrying out a public consultation on adopting rights to enable the licensing of sex establishments throughout the county.

This would give the council the legal right to regulate businesses including sex shops, cinemas and entertainment venues.

Councillor Gareth Griffith, the cabinet member for environmental and licensing matters, said: “At present, the council only has the power to regulate and license certain types of sex establishments - sex shops and sex cinemas - in the Arfon area of the county.

“We intend to extend these powers in the Dwyfor and Meirionnydd areas. We also want to make sure that a license is required to open sexual entertainment venues anywhere in the county.

"Historically, there have been very few requests to locate such establishments in Gwynedd and by doing this we can ensure that such establishments are run in a lawful, safe and appropriate way.

“It will also ensure that the number, location and nature of these establishments are suitable for the communities of Gwynedd.”

Adopting Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 would give the council these legal rights.

Cllr Griffith added: “If the Council does not adopt Schedule 3, sex establishments will continue to be able to operate without any means for the Council to manage them.

"There is an opportunity for individuals, groups and businesses to comment, and I would encourage that anyone who wants to have their say to take part in the public consultation."

Public consultation will be open until Monday, August 23 and will be available at www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/licensingsexestablishments.

If you have any questions about the consultation, or require a version in large print, Braille or other languages, please contact licensing@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or call 01766 771000.