Leeds parents could soon take babies into 18-rated films as council weighs major rule change
Council chiefs considering whether to allow “baby cinema clubs” to show films with top age ratings.
Parents could take babies into 15 and 18-rated film screenings if rules are changed by the council.
Leeds City Council is considering whether to allow “baby cinema clubs” to show some movies with the top age ratings.
Guidelines set by the British Board of Film Classification say parents can take children aged under 12 months to screenings of films rated up to 12a.
But councils have the power to set alternative classifications under the Licensing Act.
The council said it was looking into easing restrictions for the clubs after complaints were received from parents.
A spokesperson said: “The matter was considered by the council’s licensing committee last year, with a decision being deferred to allow for further consultation and evidence gathering, particularly around safeguarding.”
Screenings of top-rated films could be allowed on a case-by-case basis, or subject risk assessment by the cinemas.
Concerns were raised that while babies would not understand the films, they could still absorb and listen to their surroundings.
A council report said health research firm Beacon House Therapeutic Services would be commissioned to provide a clinical opinion.
The research would look into the impact on childhood development and sensory exposure to higher-rated films.
A council report said: “There is a risk that proceeding without appropriate clinical advice could expose the authority to challenge, reputational damage or safeguarding criticism.”
The council said it also consulted its own own children and families and public health services, as well as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The spokesperson said: “We have also spoken to other local authorities about their approaches to baby cinema screenings.”
Evidence would be submitted to the Licensing Committee for a final decision.
Cinemas including Hyde Park Picture House, Everyman and Showcase currently run the baby clubs.