Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors N Bayley, R Brown,

J Grimshaw, J Hook and from B Thomson- Assistant Director of Operations Strategy.

Councillor G Staples-Jones acted as a substitute representative for Councillor Hook.

Members of the Licensing and Safety Panel are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the agenda, and if so, to formally declare that interest. 

There were no declarations of interest.

Questions are invited from members of the public present at the meeting on any matters for which this Panel is responsible.

Approximately 30 minutes will be set aside for Public Question Time if required.

No questions had been pre submitted to the meeting.

No members of the public were in attendance at the meeting.

A report from the Executive Director (Operations) is attached.

The Executive Director (Operations) submitted a report informing the Committee that a request had been received from the Jewish Film Organisation to consider the classification of a film called ‘Once Upon a Time in Algeria’ to be shown at Vue Cinema on the 14^th November 2024.

The Licensing Unit Manager presented the report and the request was attached at Appendix 1 of the agenda packs and the film was in French language with English subtitles and lasted 2hours 8 minutes in duration. It was noted that the request was made on the 23^rd October 2024 which was not within the 28 days’ notice period which should be provided.

The Licensing Service had taken advice from the Council’s Legal Department and had been advised that it is a matter for this Committee to consider the classification.

Details were provided on the Classification categories for films which was included in the agenda packs.

The applicant had recommended the film be classified as a 12 and provided the following synopsis:-

A joyful and nostalgic love letter to the Algiers of Alexandre Arcady’s youth, this enchanting autobiographical family drama recreates the vibrant Mediterranean city of the early 60s. With an ex-French Foreign Legion father who harbours dubious claims to Hungarian nobility, a beautiful and long-suffering Algerian Jewish mother, and a close- knit if somewhat shady extended family, 15-year-old Antoine’s main concern is how to navigate his secret crush on Josette, the girl in the apartment upstairs. Meanwhile, Algerian nationalists are eager to rid themselves of their French colonial masters, and Algeria’s ancient Jewish community is finding itself on the losing side of an increasingly dangerous and violent struggle.

Members in attendance confirmed they had viewed the film in order to determine what classification the film should be allocated at the viewing on the 14^th November 2024.

A Member asked if there was any difference between cinema and home video ratings.

Members commented that there were some limited scenes that contained occasional violence and displayed smoking and tobacco products but this was acceptable given the era the film was set.

Delegated decision:

It was agreed by the Licensing and Safety Committee to provide a ‘12’ classification for the film ‘Once Upon a Time in Algeria’ set in conjunction with the guidelines recommended by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

The BBFC guidelines were considered in relation to the potential impact of scenes of smoking on audiences when deciding the film certificate. The scenes in the film did not serve to glamorise smoking as an activity, in particular for young people. 12A/12 guidance which is suitable for 12 years and over states that the misuse of drugs or other substances will generally be infrequent. There should be no glamorisation or instructional detail.

Any other business, which by reason of special circumstances, the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

No urgent business was reported at the meeting.