Film Classification

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licensing.unit@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Film Classification

Cinemas now operate under the authority of a premises licence issued under the terms of the Licensing Act 2003. All premises licences & club premises certificates that authorise the screening of films have a mandatory condition placed on them stating that:  

'No film shall be exhibited unless it has received a “U”, “PG”, “12A”, “15” or “18” certificate from the British Board of Film Censors or the British Board of Film Classification or has been approved, in writing, by the Licensing Authority; or it is a current newsreel which has been submitted to the British Board of Film Censors or the British Board of Film Classification.

Where a programme includes a film in the 12A, 15 or 18 category no person appearing to be under the age of 12 (and unaccompanied in that case), 15 or 18 as appropriate shall be admitted to any part of the programme; and the licence holder shall display in a conspicuous position a notice in the following terms –

PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF (INSERT APPROPRIATE AGE) CANNNOT BE ADMITTED TO ANY PART OF THE PROGRAMME.

Where films of different categories form part of the same programme, the notice shall refer to the oldest age restriction.

This condition does not apply to members of staff under the relevant age while on duty provided that the prior written consent of the person’s parents or legal guardian has first been obtained.'

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is the independent regulator of the film and the video industry in the UK. All films that have been classified by the BBFC are given a rating.

The Universal Film Classifications are:

  Uc | U | PG | 12A | 12 | 15 | 18 | R18

Uc and U Classification

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. U films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

Videos classified 'Uc' are particularly suitable for pre-school children and normally raise no issues of concern. 

'PG' Parental Guidance Classification

Suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

12A Classification

Suitable for 12 years and over. No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.

'15' Classification

Suitable only for 15 years and over. No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.

'18' Classification

Suitable only for adults. No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.

'R18' Classification

Films rated R18 are to be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex between adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and videos may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by mail order.

Unclassified films

Occasionally Worthing Borough Council receives requests from local cinemas,  film producers and /or distributors to show small production unclassified films that due to their small scale production and limited distribution will not go through the BBFC system. To be screened within the borough these films must be presented to the council's licensing unit so that a classification can be awarded before thay can be shown to the public.

For further information regarding film classification please go to the BBFC's website or contact the Licensing Unit.

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