ABSTRACT
The power to classify films in the UK, and sometimes to restrict theatrical releases with age ratings, cuts or in rare cases to deny a certificate at all, lies in licensing legislation. That legislation designates the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) as the body to certify films on behalf of local authorities. The BBFC is required to protect younger filmgoers and to consider whether material is in conflict with the law or if it has been created through the commission of a criminal offence. It may not pass any material likely to infringe the criminal law. The certificates themselves are also named in that legislation.
