A crackdown on sex and raunchy behaviour has been unveiled.

Brighton and Hove City Council is looking to introduce strict quotas to ban any more sex shops and lap dancing clubs within the city’s boundaries.

City bosses believe the new powers will give local people a greater say while promoting sexual equality.

But critics have warned the review could signal the end for Brighton and Hove being a “cheeky tourist destination”.

There are also fears the crackdown will impact on nightclubs and the Fringe festival, which brings millions of pounds into the city’s economy every year.

The report, which will be discussed by the council's licensing committee, recommends lap dancing clubs should be upgraded from “public entertainment” centres to the same category as sex shops.

It states no more than the three current lap dancing clubs should be allowed in the city.

The plans also set maximum appropriate numbers set for sex shops, which includes two in St James’s Street, two near Brighton station and one in Hove.

Officers state there should be no more anywhere else in the city.

The council drafted a paper in preparation for the Policing and Crime Act, which is due to start in May.

Luminar Leisure, which operates Tru and Oceana nightclubs, has raised fears with the council about whether any new legislation will affect its podium dancers.

Burlesque dancers and some Fringe acts could also be affected.

The Home Office has confirmed these applications will continue to be dealt with on individual cases.

Denise Cobb, chairwoman of the council’s licensing committee, said: “We welcome the new legislation which will give us tighter controls to limit the number and location of lap dancing clubs.

“We are currently consulting on a draft policy to cover lap dancing clubs and people are welcome to give us their view to help shape this.

“The consultation period runs until the end of August.

“At present there are three lap dancing clubs in the city. We are not expecting an influx of applications for new venues, but by drawing up a new policy we will be ready to deal with any applications if and when we receive them.”

The Argus contacted the three licensed lap dancing clubs in the city but none were available for comment.

The proposals will be discussed by the licensing committee on Thursday.

If approved they will go out to a 12-week consultation process.

Council officers hope the first applications under the new scheme will start to be heard from May.