A BAN on having new sex shops in Southend could be lifted as the council considers new licences.

Under current draft rules, just two sex shops in the town have permission to trade and if they shut, there is no option for others to open.

Councillors are considering whether new licenses can be issued to sex shops, sex cinemas and sexual entertainment venues from this year.

Other than the two sex shops, Southend has four licensed sex entertainment venues. There are no sex cinemas.

Under a new draft policy being considered for 2018, all licenses would automatically drop to zero in the event they are surrendered, revoked or not renewed, because – the report said – “the council does not consider any area within the borough to be an appropriate location for any sex shops, sex entertainment venues, or sex cinemas”.

But council leader John Lamb told Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting that a total ban on new licenses for sex shops was not a good idea.

He explained: “I don’t think we should go to zero sex shops. Sorry – I actually think they do some good.

“Some people need them. Whether we like it or not.”

Mr Lamb said care should be taken about sex licensing close to schools, but that less regard should be given to religious establishments.

“There should not be any no go zones,” he told the meeting. “Only if there are school nearby.”

Councillor James Courtenay, lead member for children and learning, questioned why ‘sex cinemas’ and ‘sex shops’ were being grouped together into the same consultation.

“I think it’s disappointing sex shops and sex cinemas are being considered together,” he said. “I’m not aware of any complaints about sex shops. My interest is whether we  are being unnecessarily restrictive on businesses.

“We all have different moral stances.

“But I would not want us to come unstuck later on.”

Members agreed to the launch the public consultation.

Mark Fig, who has been running Harmony sex shop in London Road, Southend for 16 years, said: “At the end of the day, we provide a service like any other shop.”