Key Points
- Fetish Freak, an independent fetish gear store at 76 Bolton Crescent, London, SE5 0SE, has applied to Lambeth Council to renew its sex establishment licence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
- The shop describes itself as an “independent sex shop” selling condoms, lubes, and other adult products, including rubber clothing made in London.
- Founded in 2007 by Jonathan Wheatley, the store has operated from its current location since 2014.
- Lambeth Council invites public objections, which must be submitted in writing by April 26, 2026, to the Licensing Section at 3rd Floor Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1EG, or via email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk.
- Objections require stating grounds in general terms.
- Full details available on the Lambeth Council website licensing section and the Public Notice Portal at publicnoticeportal.uk.
Lambeth (South London News) April 23, 2026 –In Camberwell, South London, Fetish Freak at 76 Bolton Crescent, SE5 0SE, has submitted an application to Lambeth Council for the renewal of its sex establishment licence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as detailed on the Public Notice Portal. The application seeks permission for the shop to continue operating as a sex establishment. Lambeth Council has opened the process to public scrutiny, with objections due by April 26, 2026.
- Key Points
- Who founded Fetish Freak and what products does it sell?
- How can the public object to the Fetish Freak licence renewal?
- What is the history of Fetish Freak’s operations in Camberwell?
- Where can more information on the application be found?
- Why does Lambeth Council require written objections for sex establishment licences?
- What role does the Public Notice Portal play in local licensing announcements?
- Is Fetish Freak one of the few shops stocking London-made rubber clothing?
- When must objections to the renewal be submitted?
- Background of the Licence Renewal Development
- Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Residents and Businesses
Fetish Freak markets itself as an “independent sex shop” offering condoms, lubes, and other adult products. It stands out as one of the few London retailers stocking rubber clothing manufactured in the capital. The business, founded in 2007 by Jonathan Wheatley, relocated to its current Camberwell site in 2014, where it has traded continuously.
Who founded Fetish Freak and what products does it sell?
Jonathan Wheatley established Fetish Freak in 2007. According to the shop’s own description on the Public Notice Portal listing, it functions as an independent sex shop.
Products include condoms, lubes, and other adult items, with a specialty in locally made rubber clothing. No further details on inventory or sales figures appear in the application notice.
The renewal follows standard procedures for sex establishments in the UK, governed by the 1982 Act. Lambeth Council, responsible for licensing in the borough, requires applicants to demonstrate compliance with local regulations on location, layout, and public impact.
How can the public object to the Fetish Freak licence renewal?
A spokesperson for Lambeth Council stated:
“Any person wishing to object to this application must give notice in writing of their objection, stating in general terms the grounds of the objection.”
This quote comes directly from the council’s public notice, as published on the Public Notice Portal. Objections must reach the Licensing Section at London Borough of Lambeth, 3rd Floor Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1EG, or via email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk, by April 26, 2026.
The Public Notice Portal, operated by the News Media Association, hosts the application details.
It serves as a central hub for planning applications, alcohol licences, and road closures across the UK. NMA members include nearly 900 local and regional news titles reaching 40 million people monthly.
What is the history of Fetish Freak’s operations in Camberwell?
Fetish Freak began trading in 2007 under Jonathan Wheatley’s ownership. It moved to 76 Bolton Crescent, SE5 0SE, in 2014.
The site in Camberwell, a diverse area of South London known for its community vibrancy and proximity to central London, has hosted the shop without noted prior controversies in the current application details.
The renewal application confirms ongoing operations as a sex shop.
Lambeth Council’s licensing process ensures establishments meet criteria on proximity to schools, places of worship, and residential areas. The notice does not specify prior licences or inspection outcomes.
Where can more information on the application be found?
Full details reside on the licensing section of the Lambeth Council website. The Public Notice Portal provides direct access via its search function at www.publicnoticeportal.uk.
Users can track similar applications, including planning permissions and alcohol licences, in their area through this platform.
Camberwell forms part of the London Borough of Lambeth, which handles over 1,000 licensing applications annually across categories like taxis, gambling, and sex establishments.
The council’s Licensing Act 2003 and 1982 provisions guide these renewals.
Why does Lambeth Council require written objections for sex establishment licences?
The requirement for written objections with stated grounds ensures a structured review process.
As per the council spokesperson’s statement in the notice, this allows authorities to assess impacts on public safety, nuisance, or morals. Similar processes apply borough-wide.
The application timing aligns with routine renewals, typically annual for sex shops. No extensions or special conditions appear in the notice.
What role does the Public Notice Portal play in local licensing announcements?
Owned by the News Media Association, the portal disseminates statutory notices from councils. It covers national, regional, and local newspapers’ audiences.
For Lambeth, it lists Fetish Freak’s application alongside others, promoting transparency.
Jonathan Wheatley, as founder, leads the application. No additional comments from him feature in the public notice.
Is Fetish Freak one of the few shops stocking London-made rubber clothing?
Yes, the shop highlights this in its self-description on the Public Notice Portal. It positions itself among limited London retailers offering capital-produced rubber gear, alongside standard adult products like condoms and lubes.
Lambeth’s licensing team at the Civic Centre processes submissions. Email responses go to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk.
When must objections to the renewal be submitted?
The deadline stands at April 26, 2026. Late submissions risk dismissal.
Camberwell’s commercial landscape includes independent retailers. Fetish Freak contributes to the area’s mix of specialty shops.
Background of the Licence Renewal Development
The renewal traces to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which empowers councils to license sex establishments.
Lambeth Council adopted these provisions, requiring sex shops to hold annual licences. Fetish Freak’s application follows its 2014 relocation to Bolton Crescent, with prior trading since 2007. Public consultation periods, like this 30-day window ending April 26, 2026, form standard practice. The Public Notice Portal, launched by the News Media Association, centralises such announcements since 2019, replacing print ads in many cases.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Residents and Businesses
Local residents near 76 Bolton Crescent may review the application for potential impacts on neighbourhood character or daily life, submitting objections if concerns arise over noise, litter, or visibility. Businesses in Camberwell could note continuity of trade, maintaining footfall patterns without disruption if approved. The public process allows input by April 26, 2026, influencing council decisions on renewal terms.
