COUNCILLORS in Tor-faen were today due to adopt regulations to control X-rated businesses in their area.

The move follows the council being contacted by businesses interested in setting up adult-only ventures in the area.

The council will not be drawn on the nature of the inquiries, stressing that the interested parties did not proceed with their applications.

But the interest has sparked the authority into action with Torfaen county borough council chiefs admitting the authority currently has no regulations in place relating to businesses such as sex cinemas and sex shops.

And at a full council meeting at Pontypool Civic Centre members will be urged to formally adopt the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to bring it in line with authorities like Newport and Cardiff which already have regulations to control such outlets in place.

A Torfaen county borough council spokesman told the Argus: "At present the council have no regulations in place to regulate sex establishments. "This section of the act will mean we will have control in this area and be able to regulate them more effectively.

"It will also bring us in line with most other local authorities who have already adopted similar proposals."

Under the act regulations include: The licensee must ensure that the premises are not used by prostitutes for soliciting or any immoral purpose.

Convicted sex offenders are banned from obtaining a licence to open a sex establishment.

Sex toys and other marital aids must not be displayed, sold, hired or demonstrated in sex cinemas.

Dancing or other like entertainment must not be provided unless authorised by the council.

No entry to persons under 18 and windows must be dressed or designed to prevent onlookers viewing the interior of the premises.

Sex shops must only stock merchandise legally available in Britain and videos must be passed by the British Board of Film Censors or approved by the council under the Video Recording Act 1984.

Applicants wishing to open a sex business can only do so if granted a licence by the council.

At the meeting members will be asked to approve a proposed fee of £500 for such a licence.