Issue - meetings

The Committee is asked to consider a draft Policy for adoption regarding the classification of films by the Council and agree to recommend to Council adoption of the policy.

In view of the forthcoming Film Festival being held in the Borough in October, the Committee were asked to consider a draft Film Classification Policy which had been developed to ensure a robust procedure was in place for dealing with requests for the classification of films. 

The matter of advertising films to the general public prior to classification was discussed, particularly in light of the Council’s responsibility for safeguarding children.  There were concerns that children unaware of the classifciation may attempt to view a film under the specified age.  Members were assured that it was the responsibility of the licensee to uphold the regulations and demonstrate that adequate measures were in place to ensure that classifications were being adhered to.

Officers agreed to investigate if there was a mandatory period for publicising the classification of a film prior to public viewing, and in any event committed to confirm film classifications as far as possible in advance. It was also agreed to check that all the legal requirements had been met with regard to safeguarding children, and amend the policy if necessary.

It was also agreed to remove paragraphs 7.5 and 7.6 on page 153.

Accordingly, the Committee:

(1)            Approved the draft policy and procedure for dealing with the classification of films, subject to confirmation that all legal requirements have been met in relation to safe guarding children and advertising film classifications.

(2)            Delegated responsibility for the authorisation of films which have not already been classified by the BBFC to the Officers.

(3)            Delegated responsibility to grant exemptions from the payment of a classification fee to the Head of Housing & Community and the Licensing, Grants and HIA Manager.

(4)            Agreed to recommend to Council the;    

·                 Adoption of a Film Classification Policy;

·                 That the Head of Housing & Community Services and the Licensing, Grants and HIA Manager be authorised to determine the classification and re-classification of films including appeals in accordance with the Policy;

·                 To set the level of fee for classification of a film (subject to exemptions) at £50.00 plus £1.00 per minute of the full length of the submitted film, plus any costs associated or incurred to process the application (subject to the annual fees and charges review).