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No-one
younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent
or buy an ‘18’ rated video. The BBFC respects the right of adults to chose their own entertainment,
within the law. It will therefore expect to intervene only rarely
in relation to ‘18’ rated cinema films. In the case
of videos, which are more accessible to younger viewers, intervention
may be more frequent.
There are no constraints at this level on theme, language, nudity
or horror. The Board may, however, cut or reject the following content
- Any
detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts which is likely
to promote
the activity. This includes also instructive detail
of illegal drug use
- The
more explicit images of sexual activity - unless they can be
exceptionally justified by context
Sex Education
at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters
such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the
normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public
interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary
to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.
Sex
Works at ‘18’
Material which appears to be simulated is generally passed ‘18’,
while images of real sex are confined to the ‘R18’ category.
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To be supplied only in licensed sex shops
to adults of not less than 18 years.
The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted
classification primarily for explicit videos of consenting sex between
adults. Such videos may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex
shops, of which there are currently about 90 in the UK. ‘R18’ videos
may not be supplied by mail order.
The following content is not acceptable
- Any material
which is in breach of the criminal law.
- Material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in abusive
sexual activity (e.g., paedophilia, incest) which may include depictions
involving adults role-playing as non-adults.
- The portrayal of any sexual activity, whether real or simulated, which involves
lack of consent.
- The infliction of pain or physical harm, real or (in a sexual context) simulated.
Some allowance may be made for mild consensual activity.
- Any sexual threats or humiliation which do not form part of a clearly consenting
role-playing game.
- The use of any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from
withdrawing consent, for example, ball gags.
- Penetration by any object likely to cause actual harm or associated with
violence.
- Activity
which is degrading or dehumanising (examples include the
portrayal of bestiality, necrophilia, defecation).
The following content, subject to the above, may be permitted
- Aroused genitalia
- Masturbation
- Oral-genital contact including kissing, licking and sucking
- Penetration by finger, penis, tongue, vibrator or dildo
- Non-harmful fetish material
- Group sexual activity
- Ejaculation and semen
These guidelines make no distinction between heterosexual and
homosexual activity.
Current Controls on Sales of R18 videos
There are strict controls on the sale of videoworks which are given
an R18 classification. Under Section 12 of the Video Recordings
Act 1984, such videos can only be sold in a licensed sex shop -
of which there are approximately 90 in England and Wales plus two
in Scotland (The largest one is in Nottingham called the Adult
Gift Shop)- to adults aged 18 and over. They cannot be legally
sold by mail order, supplied through ordinary video outlets or
shown on television. Their supply other than in a licensed sex
shop would be a criminal offence subject to a fine of up to £5,000,
six months' imprisonment, or both. So if you would like any you
must come to The Adult Gift Shop in person.
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