Almost seven years after the idea to regulate sex entertainment venues in the city was first mooted, a policy agreed by councillors is yet to be implemented, it has been revealed.
Government legislation introduced in 2009 gave local authorities the power to regulate sex entertainment venues (SEVs), such as lap dancing clubs and sex cinemas.
And in March 2010 Norwich City Council's licensing committee agreed to adopt the legislation which would allow them to make their own policy on the issue.
But nearly seven years later, and after a consultation where 58pc of respondents supported regulation, a policy still hasn't been implemented as 'detailed legal advice' still needs to be sought.
At a meeting last week Green party councillor Lesley Grahame asked what would be done to make sure SEVs were regulated as soon as possible.
Paul Kendrick, cabinet member with responsibility for licencing , admitted there had been some delays in the implementation but said: 'It is important that the correct procedures are followed and obtaining detailed legal advice is necessary to ensure this.
'Arrangements are in place for NpLAW, the council's legal services provider, to provide the final legal advice required for the implementation of the SEV licensing regime.'
It comes as plans have been submitted to open a new lap dancing club on Prince of Wales Road.
Documents show Henacraft Ltd, which owns Bar 52, would like to convert the nighttime spot into a lap dancing club, prompting anger from local councillors. But even if the planning application is approved, the venue will still need to apply for a licence.
In a statement Cllr Kendrick, said: 'The three venues in Norwich licensed to provide sexual entertainment are currently regulated under the 2003 Licensing Act, with specific conditions relating to the nature of the entertainment they offer.
'Since the sex establishment policy was adopted, we have been seeking legal advice and consulting the affected businesses, who will be invited to make applications under the policy next year.
'We continue to work closely with Norfolk Constabulary and the venues themselves to make sure they are complying with all relevant legislation.'
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