The Anti Smoking Zealots Are At It Again

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ziggy_encaoua
Number 531
Conspirator for: 15 years 45 weeks
Posted on: August 10, 2009 - 3:12pm

Few years ago the Lib Dem group on Liverpool city council proposed rating all films showing smoking with an 18 certificate (the top rating in the UK).

Well they're up to the same bullshit again


18 certificate plan for films showing smokers

By Mike Hornby, Press Association

Monday, 10 August 2009

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/smokingi
nfilms