Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair for the ensuing meeting.

Councillor Ron Munby was elected Chair for the ensuing meeting

Councillors/Staff to give notice of any disclosable pecuniary interest, other registrable interest or any other interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

None Declared

To answer questions from members of the public – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00pm, 2 working days before the meeting.

None Received

The Licensing and Compliance Officer introduced the item which was to consider and determine an application to classify a Film under the Licensing Act 2003.

The film in question was ‘A Different Kind of Hope’.

The title had has not been classified by the BBFC and it was the responsibility of the licensing authority to do so.

The panel then were shown the film in full.

The Licensing and Compliance Officer clarified to the panel the licensing objectives and debate ensued.

Councillor Smith moved the motion to classify the film as Universal (U).

The motion was seconded by Councillor Munby

A vote followed, 3 voted in favour of the motion, 0 against and 0 abstentions.

The motion was carried

Decision

‘A Different Kind of Hope’ is certified as Universal (U).

Reasons for the Decision

The Licensing Panel resolved that the following classification be given:

‘A Different Kind of Hope’ be given the rating Universal (U).

In reaching its decision, the Licensing Panel considered the information outlined by the Licensing Officer and the information contained in the Officer’s report. The Panel also had regard to the British Board of Film Classification Guidelines, the guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy.  The Licensing Panel also had regard to the Licensing Objectives, which are:

·  the prevention of crime and disorder

·  public safety

·  the prevention of public nuisance; and

·  the protection of children from harm

The overriding consideration in making the decision was the protection of children from harm.  The Licensing Panel considered this whilst seeking to ensure that the film reached the widest audience appropriate.

The Panel noted that there was occasional nudity in the film, but that this had no sexual content.  There was also a reference to drugs, but this was infrequent and innocuous.