Costello calls for regulation of sex shops

29 July 2015

by Cllr Joe Costello

Labour TD Joe Costello has called for the sex industry in Ireland to be subject to planning and regulation.

Deputy Costello stated: “The proprietor of a grocery shop, take away or newsagents must apply and obtain planning permission to open for business. However, he or she or a new owner can then decide to convert any of these premises into an adult shop overnight and trade in the sex industry without having to apply to the local authority for a change of use.

“No specific planning permission is required for change of use from one existing retail function to another retail function. Thus people affected by the change of use have no entitlement or opportunity to express their views on the appropriateness of a new business operating in the vicinity of a school, church or housing estate. A material change of use can take place without the planning authority exercising any role.

“The Adult Entertainment Task Force was set up in 2006 to examine the regulation of the sex industry. However, its final report was never published. The need to find a way of dealing with adult shops was highlighted again recently when such a shop planned to open in Drumcondra opposite a primary school. Clearly good planning laws should ensure that there is a planning procedure for dealing with proposed adult shops.

“I introduced a Bill in 2008 that would ensure that normal planning criteria would apply when someone decides to change the use of an existing retail premises to an adult shop. Along with my colleague, Deputy John Lyons, I intend to reintroduce the Bill in the autumn to ensure that the local community has an input in the opening of an adult shop.”