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 Licencing and Compliance Officer introduced the item which was to consider and determine an application to classify two films.

The films in question were ‘Rocketman’ and ‘A Star is Born’.

Both titles had been rated by the BBFC as a 15 certificate. The applicant was requesting that children under the age of 24 months be admitted to the screening with their parents at a special screening of the film.

The panel then were shown trailers from both films.

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

The panel had concerns with the language that was heard on both trailers and discussion followed as to whether a child up to 24 months could recognise and be affected by the language. The panel were satisfied that a child up to 24 months would not be affected.

Councillor Horsley moved the motion to approve the application to classify both films to allow the admittance of children under the age of 24 months as accompanied by a parent or carer.

This motion was seconded by Councillor Munby

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

Decision

‘Rocketman’ and ‘A Star is Born’ certificate 15 as certified by the British Board of Film Classification – but allowing the admittance of children under the age of 24 months as accompanied by a parent or carer.

Reasons for the Decision

The Licensing Panel resolved that the following classification be given:

‘Rocketman’ certificate 15 as certified by the British Board of Film Classification – but allowing the admittance of children under the age of 24 months as accompanied by a parent or carer.

‘Star is Born’ certificate 15 as certified by the British Board of Film Classification – but allowing the admittance of children under the age of 24 months as accompanied by a parent or carer.

In reaching its decision, the Licensing Panel considered the information outlined by the Licensing Officer, the information contained in the Officer’s report and the BBFC’s assessment of the film. 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 Panel noted the guidelines, guidance and policy were silent on such a classification to allow such special screenings where babies and toddlers are present. Therefore the overriding objective of the protection of children from harm remained its principal consideration.

The Committee sought to balance the promotion of the licensing objectives while seeking to ensure the film reached the widest audience appropriate.

The Panel noted that there were issues around drugs, sex and bad language in ‘Rocketman’ and bad language and drugs in ‘A Star is Born’, but considered that children under the age of 24 months would not understand the context. 

The Panel noted that there were no violent scenes in either film which may cause emotional trauma to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.