18 certificate plan for films showing smokers

Health officials in a city are considering plans to impose 18 certificates on cinema films which show people smoking, it was announced today.

Liverpool City Council said the measure would mean films which include images of tobacco smoking would only be regarded as suitable for adult viewing.

The 18 rating would not apply to films which portray historical figures who actually smoked or those which provide a "clear and unambiguous portrayal of the dangers of smoking, other tobacco use, or second-hand smoke", the council said.

The proposal has been made to the authority's Licensing and Gambling Committee by Liverpool Primary Care Trust.

If the plans go ahead, cinemas and any other premises showing films would have to notify the council 21 days in advance if they intend to show films containing images of smoking.

Today, Liverpool council launched a public consultation exercise on its website.

Councillor Malcolm Kelly, chairman of the Licensing Committee, said: "I would urge as many people as possible to take part as we want to get a broad range of opinions before we make a decision on this subject.

"Their views will be a very important factor when we decide about the PCT's proposal."

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is generally responsible for classifying films. However, under the Licensing Act 2003 local councils have statutory powers to classify or re-classify films to be exhibited in their particular areas.

Although the government's guidance concerning the Licensing Act 2003 recommends that local councils should not duplicate the work of the BBFC it does allow local councils to reclassify films if there are "good local reasons" for doing so.

The council's consultation can be found at www.liverpool.gov.uk/smokinginfilms