Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor P Hetherton be appointed Chair for the hearing.

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider whether to exclude the press and public for the item of private business to allow the Licensing Authority to review the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

RESOLVED that the Sub-Committee agrees to exclude the press and public under Section 20 of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of Minute 14 below on the grounds that the Sub-Committee have to view the film in order to consider whether it should be reclassified. 

To consider an application to review the classification of a film “A Northern Soul”, under Section 20 of the Licensing Act 2003 which has received a classification of ‘15’ by the BBFC

Following a request, the Sub-Committee considered the classification of a film called ‘A Northern Soul’ under Section 20 of the Licensing Act 2003. The film had received a classification of ‘15’ by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). Licensing officers had been contacted by a Creative Events Producer for Culture Coventry who wished to show the film as part of the Screening Rights Film Festival in Coventry in October.

Where a film has a classification, a Local Authority (as the Licensing Authority) may review that classification and determine a different one for local showing purposes. As such, the Sub Committee should have regard to the BBFC guidance but may depart from it if there is good reason to do so.

The BBFC, through press releases, had stated that the classification of ‘15’ given to ‘A Northern Soul’ was so done because there were approximately 20 uses of strong language which they stated exceeded anything they had permitted as a 12A.

RESOLVED that the Sub-Committee having viewed the film ‘A Northern Soul’ awarded a ‘12’ rating for showing as part of the Screening Rights Film Festival.

To consider any other items of business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no other items of public business.

To allow the Licensing Authority to review the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

Further to Minute 12 above, the Sub Committee watched the full film to consider the use of the language in context and make their determination.

RESOLVED that the Sub-Committee having viewed the film ‘A Northern Soul’ awarded a ‘12’ rating for showing as part of the Screening Rights Film Festival.