Film and Video

Films or video recordings that are played to the public or for private gain generally have to be covered by either a premises licence from the local council or a temporary events notice. Some exclusions do apply, such as exhibitions or promotional material. Almost any other form of video show is otherwise covered, whether it is on video tape, DVD, film or any other media. Projection onto a screen or on a television are equally covered.

The Council will automatically impose a condition that any film shown must be rated by the British Board of Film Classification or by the Council. This means that you will need to make sure that there is some system in place to prevent children gaining admission to see films or videos that are rated above their age.

In some cases, it is possible for an application to be made to the Council to change a BBFC rating. We have experience of making such applications and for more details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

In addition to the requirement fo a licence, there may be royalty fees to pay to show films and a further licence may be required to cover this aspect.