Cinema licence

Any public performance of a film exhibition is controlled under the Cinemas Act 1985.

The Act does not just apply to cinema premises but also includes exhibitions produced by video equipment such as video jukeboxes in pubs and video screens in nightclubs.

Prior to licensing, premises are inspected by the Fire and Rescue Service and the Council's Building Standards and Environmental Health Services. The Police are also consulted.

Films can normally only be shown if the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has awarded a certificate. These range from "U" which means universal and can be seen by anyone, to "18" which means that only persons who are aged 18 years and over can be admitted to see a particular film.

The Council has the power to act as a local censor and give permission for a film to be shown which has not been granted a certificate by the BBFC. The Council also has powers to prohibit the exhibition of a film even though a certificate has been granted, or alter the BBFC certification from, for example a "PG" to a "12".

Applying for a licence

Download and complete a Cinema Licence Application Form (Word doc, 81 KB) and return it to:

Food Law, Health and Safety Enforcement
Perth and Kinross Council
Council Building
2 High Street
Perth
PH1 5PH

You must include the application fee at the same time the application is made. The fee from 1 April 2026 is £75 per screen.

For help and information with applications, contact Food Law, Health and Safety Enforcement on 01738 476476 or email FoodHealthSafety@pkc.gov.uk.