At the cinema, the ultimate power lies with the local
authorities, who can decide to ignore the BBFC’s decisions at any time. In
practice this rarely happens, although in 2002 before the new 12A category was
introduced; several local authorities gave local PG or PG12 certificates to
Spider-Man in spite of the fact that the BBFC rating was a 12.
Cinematograph Act 1909
-
Introduces licensing of cinemas
-
Originally for safety (from fire) in cinemas
-
Statutory control lies with local authorities
-
BBFC set up by the film industry in 1912 to
standardise decisions
Cinematograph
Act 1952
- Prohibited children from 'unsuitable' films. The
mandatory X certificate was introduced at around the same time
Most local authorities use Home Office Guidelines including:
-
No exhibition of film without certificate;
-
Cinema box office to act as age bar;
-
The certificate must appear in advertising at the
cinema entrance and on screen immediately before the film is shown;
-
No film to be exhibited if licensing authority gives
written notice prohibiting its exhibition
Cinematograph Act (Amendment) Act 1982
-
Required that cinema clubs promoted for private gain
must be licensed
Cinemas Act 1985
-
Consolidated the legislation
2003 Licensing Act
-
BBFC named for the first time in cinema legislation
-
If local councils overrule the BBFC or make their own
decisions, they must have a published policy in place
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