Film classification

Under the Licensing Act 2003 the definition of film has been expanded to mean any exhibition of moving pictures, including feature films, adverts and trailers. This definition also now covers the showing of a video and other visual image media, including non-live digital exhibitions of plays, operas and pop concerts.

Where a licensed premise intends to show films, the Licensing Act 2003 requires a mandatory condition to be placed on the Premises Licences or Club Premises Certificates which restricts the admission of children (persons aged under 18) to the exhibition of any film/s in accordance with:

• either the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)
• OR any recommendation made by this licensing authority

If you intend to only show films classified by the BBFC, there is no requirement to contact the licensing authority. If not, you must contact the licensing authority to obtain a recommendation on the restriction of access of children to the film(s) at least 28 days before you intend to show them.

Where a premises licence does not authorise the showing of a film, a minor variation can be applied for to add this to the licence for permanent authorisation, or alternatively, a Temporary Events Notice can be sent to the licensing authority if it is an one-off event.

Information to send the licensing authority

In order to recommend an appropriate restriction of access for children, the licensing authority requires the following information to be provided by the proposed exhibitor:

• a synopsis of the film program(s) must be sent to the Licensing Unit 28 days in advance of the proposed screening date, where possible, giving sufficiently detailed and accurate information on any potentially controversial issues such as: discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme, violence and in particular anything considered over 18 (eg R18)
• information on active and thorough child protection policies including any permission processes required to be obtained for children to appear in any film exhibition
• information on how staff are informed on policies and matters that may be significant at the time of the exhibition
• information on feedback and evaluation procedures
• information as to the steps that will be taken to display notices inside and outside the premises so that persons entering can readily read them and be aware of the classification attached to the film
• information on the use of sufficient ushers/stewards (minimum 18 years old) to be in attendance at the entrance to the viewing room at all times, to ensure that only children who may view the film or exhibition are permitted access

How the licensing authority classifies films

The licensing authority considers the classification system process used by the BBFC and its guidance to be nationally understood. It will therefore use the general principles of their guidance and their processes as its benchmark for determining its recommendation on the restriction of access of children to the film(s). For more information regarding classification, see the BBFC website for more information.

The licensing authority will write to you advising of the recommendation on the restriction on the age of access for children to the film/s. You will also be advised on the provision of any relevant notices required to be displayed inside and outside the premises along the following lines:

Persons under the age of [insert appropriate age] cannot be admitted to any part of the programme.

Or

Persons under the age of [insert appropriate age] can only be admitted to the programme if accompanied by an adult.

Apply for a film classification

Apply online

Fees

Classification of films up to 30 minutes film duration and each additional 20-minute film duration. 

You can pay for your application by contacting the Licensing team.

Exemptions

The provision of entertainment consisting of the exhibition of a film is not to be regarded as the provision of regulated entertainment for the purposes of this Act if its sole or main purpose is to:

(a) demonstrate any product,
(b) advertise any goods or services, or
(c) provide information, education or instruction

The provision of entertainment consisting of the exhibition of a film is not to be regarded as the provision of regulated entertainment for the purposes of this Act if it consists of or forms part of an exhibit put on show for any purposes of a museum or art gallery.

Page last updated: 16 April 2024