What the legislation does
The legislation acts as a means of ensuring that obscene and violent ‘video nasties’ are regulated.
The legislation requires all video releases (including trailers, video games etc.) to be classified as to its suitability for viewing in the home by persons of various ages.
Apart from exempt videos (informative, educational or instructive) videos must be properly marked with their appropriate classification symbol – from U (universal) to Restricted 18.
The current status of video works can be checked at the British Board of Film Classification
The legislation prevents the distribution of unclassified or incorrectly labelled video work. Some video works i.e. R18 can only be supplied from licensed sex shops.
The appropriate classification symbols must also be applied in the prescribed manner.
The legislation also regulates the sale of video works to persons under the age specified by its classification.
Further advice for retailers is available from TS Central
Enforcement
Requires routine visits to premises dealing in video works. Inspection of video works offered for sale. May require test purchases by officers or test purchase by underage volunteer. May require covert observations. Requires examination of video work and measurement of running times.
Premises affected
Retail premises, shops, supermarkets, various stores, video rental shops, video games shops, toy shops, newsagents, garages, market stalls, car boot sales, second-hand goods retailers mail order, internet. Importers and manufacturers.
Key Legislation
Video Recordings Act 1984
Video Recordings Act 1993
Video Records (Labelling) Order 1985 |
