If a premises licence or club premises certificate authorises the exhibition of films, the licence must include a condition requiring the admission of children to films to be restricted in accordance with the recommendations of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) or of the Licensing Authority for the area in which the film is to be shown.
There are exemptions to the requirement for a venue to be licensed. These apply if:
- The venue consists of or forms part of an exhibit put on show for any purposes of a museum or art gallery.
- The venue's sole or main purpose is to-
- Demonstrate any product
- Advertise any goods or services
- Provide information, education or instruction
- the film is shown on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis in a community premises between 8am and 11pm, and the audience does not exceed 500 people.
The Council role in the classification of films to be shown in its area is –
- The classification of previously unclassified films
- The amendment of classifications and the consideration of appeals by distributors against the BBFC’s decisions
- Requests to reclassify films
The Council uses the classification system used by the BBFC as a reference point for determining its recommendation on the restriction of access of children to the films.
Film Policy (PDF, 1.38MB)
Applications can be made online and should be made at least two months in advance of the film being shown.
Apply now