Film classification applications

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 physical copy of the film or link to a viewable copy online (please ensure this does not require joining any website in order to view the film(s))
• Details of any existing classification issued by an existing classification body, whether within or outside the UK
• A synopsis identifying the material within the film considered by the exhibitor to be likely to have a bearing on the age limit for the audience for exhibition of the film
• Any recommendation(s) that may have been made by the filmmaker for the intended audience for exhibition of the film
• Proposed age certification by the applicant.

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.

Unless classified by the BBFC, all films must be classified independently by Reading Borough Council Licensing Team even if they have been classified by another licensing authority.

Fees

per 15 mins or part thereof (of the film) – £17

You can apply and pay for your application by contacting the Licensing team on licensing@reading.gov.uk.

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.