England and Wales: the basics
In England and Wales, paying an adult for sexual services is not, in itself, a criminal offence. Two consenting adults can lawfully make a private arrangement. However, many of the activities around it are illegal, and the law is designed to protect people from exploitation.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws can change, and the details of any particular situation matter. If you need advice, speak to a qualified solicitor.
What's against the law
Several things are offences in England and Wales. These include soliciting in a street or public place, kerb crawling (approaching someone from a vehicle or on foot in public to buy sex), keeping or managing a brothel, and causing, inciting or controlling someone's sex work for gain, often called pimping.
It's also an offence to pay for sexual services from someone who has been subjected to force, threats, deception or other exploitative conduct. This applies whether or not the buyer knew about it. That's one reason it matters so much to look for warning signs and to walk away if something seems wrong.
Advertising is another area where people get caught out. Putting cards advertising sexual services in phone boxes, for example, is an offence. The rules for advertising online are more complicated, and businesses should take proper advice on them.
Why AskedFor doesn't list brothels
Running a brothel is illegal in the UK. In broad terms, a brothel is a premises used by more than one person for selling sex. For this reason we don't list brothels.
Everyone advertised through businesses on AskedFor must be 18 or over and working of their own free will. If you believe a listing breaks these rules, please use our report form.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are different
Scotland has its own laws. Buying sex between adults in private isn't a specific offence there, but kerb crawling, soliciting in public places and brothel-keeping are offences, and the Scottish Government has been reviewing its approach, so check the current position before relying on it.
Northern Ireland has gone further. Since 2015, paying for sexual services has been a criminal offence there. If you live in or are visiting Northern Ireland, you should be aware that buying sex is against the law.
Licensed venues and other businesses
Gentlemen's clubs and similar venues are usually licensed by the local council, and those licences come with conditions about how the venue is run. Adult shops, swinger clubs and fetish venues must also follow the law, including age restrictions.
If you're ever unsure whether something is lawful, the safest choice isn't to go ahead. For more on staying safe, see our safety page and our guide to reporting concerns.
Your questions, answered
Is it illegal to see an escort in England?
Paying an adult for sexual services in private isn't itself illegal in England and Wales, but many related activities are offences. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is it legal in Northern Ireland?
No. Paying for sexual services has been a criminal offence in Northern Ireland since 2015.
What if I didn't know someone was being exploited?
In England and Wales, paying someone who has been subjected to exploitation is an offence even if you didn't know. Look for warning signs and walk away if anything seems wrong.