FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE

FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE

LAWS OF HONG KONG

FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE

CHAPTER 392





CHAPTER 392

FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

Section Page

PART I

PRELIMINARY

1. Short title ..........................3

2. Interpretation ..................3

PART II

ESTABLISHMENT OF FILM CENSORSHIP AUTHORITY
AND
PANEL OF CENSORS AND PANEL OF ADVISERS

3........................................Film Censorship Authority 5
4........................................Panel of censors 5
5........................................Appointment of censors 6
6........................................Panel of advisers 6

PART III

RESTRICTION ON EXHIBITION OF FILMS

7.....iction on exhibiting films unless exempted or approved ............. 6

PART IV

CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

8................Films to be submitted to Authority before exhibition 6

9....................Exemption of film s by Authority ................... 7

10. Action to be taken by Authority and censor in relation to film which is not
exempted ...........................7

11.........Viewing of films screened for purpose of censorship 9

PART V

MATTERS CONSEQUENTIAL UPON CENSORS DECISION IN RESPECT OF A FILM

12..........Classification of films .................................. 9

13. Certificate of approval, notice of refusal to approve and notice concerning
excision ..............................10
14.......................................Excised film to be retained by Authority 11





Section Page

PART VI

EXHIBITION OF FILMS

15. Film not to be exhibited without display of certificate of exemption or

approval ...........................11

PART VII

ESTABLISHMENT OF BOARD OF REVIEW AND FUNCTIONS OF BOARD

16.....................................Board of Review . 12

17. Request of person who submitted film to review decision of Authority or
censor ...............................12
18.............Request of Authority to review decision of censor 14

19. Request of person aggrieved by exhibition of film to review decision of
Authority or censor ................16

PART VIII

ENFORCEMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS

20. Offence in relation to exhibition of films classified for exhibition only to
persons who have attained the age of 18 years 18
21......................................Offence in relation to contravention of conditions endorsed on certificate 19
22......................................Offence in relation to revocation, etc . 19
23......................................Inspection and enforcement 20
24......................................Censorship mark 20
25......................................Authority may issue replacement certificates 21
26......................................Proof of certain matters 21
27......................................Risk and expense relating to submission of film 21
28......................................Delegation of powers 21

29.......................Regulations ............................................... 22

30......................................Guidelines for censors 22

31. No liability in the case of the bona fide exercise of functions under this

Ordinance ............................23
32......................................Transitional 23

Schedule. Public officers who may exercise functions of Authority except function

under section 6(2)....................................................................................................... 23





CHAPTER 392

FILM CENSORSHIP

To provide for the establishment of a Film Censorship Authority, a panel of censors
and a panel of advisers, and for regulating and imposing restrictions on the
exhibition of films; for the approval and classification of films; for the
establishment of a Board of Review; for the creation of offences; to make
consequential and other amendments to other Ordinances; and for matters
connected therewith.

[10 November 1988] L.N. 249/88
Originally 25 of 1988 -1 )-,N.

PART I

PRELIMINARY

Short title

1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Film Censorship Ordinance.

Interpretation
2. (1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires-
'advertising material' means a display, figure, film, poster, picture or text used
or intended to be used for the purpose of advertising a film exhibited or
intended for exhibition;

'adviser' means an adviser appointed to the panel of advisers under

section 6(2);

'Authority' means the Film Censorship Authority established by section 3;

'Board' means the Board of Review established by section 16(1);

'censor' means a censor appointed under section 5;

'cigarette advertisement' has the meaning assigned to it by section 14 of the

Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371);

'exercise', in relation to any function, includes perform and discharge;

'exhibition', in relation to a film, means the screening of the film in Hong
Kong-

(a)at any place of public entertainment within the meaning of section 2 of the
Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172);

(b)at any public place within the meaning of section 3 of the Interpretation
and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1) which is not a place of public
entertainment referred to in paragraph (a); or





(c)at any place to which a person has access by reason of the fact of being a member
of a club, society, company, partnership or association of persons, incorporated or
unincorporated,

but does not include any such screening to-

(i)the persons who made the film or who arranged or organized the making of the
film;

(ii)a person who distributes, or intends to distribute, the film in or outside Hong
Kong;

(iii)a person who exhibits, or intends to exhibit, the film in or outside Hong Kong;

(iv) the projectionist of the film; or

(v)any combination of the persons referred to in paragraphs (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv),

where no other person is present at such screening; and 'exhibit' shall be

construed accordingly;

'film' means-

(a)a cinematograph film and includes any sound-track associated with such film;

(b)a video-tape and includes any sound-track associated with such video-tape;

(c) a still film and includes any sound-track associated with such film;

(d)any other record of visual moving images that is capable of being used for the
subsequent screening of those images and includes any sound-track associated with
such record;

(e) any combination of the films referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), (c)
and (d); or
an excerpt or part of a film referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d)
or (e);

'functions' includes powers and duties;

'inspector' means a public officer authorized under section 23(1) to be an

inspector for the purposes of this Ordinance;

'meeting' means a meeting of the Board;

'member' means a member of the Board;

'panel of advisers' means the panel of advisers established by section 6(1);

panel of censors' means the panel of censors established by section 4(1);

'proof of identity' means proof of identity within the meaning of section 17B of the
Immigration Ordinance (cap. 115);

Secretary means the Secretary for Administrative Services and Information;

'still film' means a slide, or a series of slides, including single frames of a film, of visual non-
moving images that is or are capable of being used for the subsequent screening of those
images;





'working day' means any day other than a public holiday or a gale warning day
within the meaning of section 2 of the Judicial Proceedings (Adjournment
During Gale Warnings) Ordinance (Cap. 62).

(2) For the purposes of this Ordinance, where a film is exhibited-

(a) at any place of public entertainment-

(i) within the meaning of section 2 of the Places of Public Entertainment
Ordinance (Cap. 172); and

(ii) in respect of which a licence granted under that Ordinance is in
force,

the person holding that licence shall be taken to be the person who
exhibits that film; and

(b)at any other place, the person who arranges or organizes that exhibition
of the film shall be taken to be the person who exhibits that film.

(3) Where a certificate of exemption is issued under section 9, or a certificate of
approval is issued under section 13, in respect of a film, that certificate shall apply
to each copy of that film as if that copy were that film and, for that purpose, any
reference in this Ordinance (including section 21(3)) or section 3(a) of the Control of
Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (Cap. 390) to that film shall be deemed to
include a copy of that film.

(4) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that where a certificate of
exemption issued under section 9, or a certificate of approval issued under section
13, in respect of a film is revoked or deemed to be revoked under this Ordinance,
that revocation shall apply in respect of each copy of that film as it applies to that
film.

PART II

ESTABLISHMENT OF FILM CENSORSHIP AUTHORITY
AND
PANEL OF CENSORS AND PANEL OF ADVISERS

Film Censorship Authority

3. For the purposes of this Ordinance, there is hereby established a Film
Censorship Authority who shall be the Commissioner for Television and
Entertainment Licensing.

Panel of censors

4. (1) For the purposes of this Ordinance, there is hereby established a panel of
censors.

(2) The panel of censors shall consist of such persons as are, from time to time,
appointed to it by the Governor and any such appointment shall be notified in the
Gazette.





Appointment of censors

5. The Authority may appoint such censors from the panel of censors as may
from time to time be necessary for the purposes of this Ordinance.

Panel of advisers

6. (1) For the purposes of this Ordinance, there is hereby established a panel
of advisers.

(2) The panel of advisers shall consist of such persons as are, from time to
time, appointed to it by the Authority by notice in writing.

PART III

RESTRICTION ON EXHIBITION OF FILMS

Restriction on exhibiting films unless exempted or approved

7. (1) A person who exhibits a film in respect of which neither of the
conditions specified in subsection (2) has been satisfied commits an offence and is
liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for 1 year.

(2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) are-

(a)that a certificate of exemption has been issued under section 9 in respect
of the film; or

(b)that a certificate of approval has been issued under section 13 in respect
of the film.

PART IV

CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

Films to be submitted to Authority before exhibition

8. (1) A film intended for exhibition shall be submitted to the Authority to be
dealt with under section 9 or 10.

(2) A film submitted under subsection (1) shall-

(a)be accompanied by a statement as to the classification under section
12(1) which is sought for the film; and

(b) be submitted-

(i) in such manner and at such place; and

(ii) together with such information and particulars,

as is prescribed.





Exemption of films by Authority

9. (1) Where a film is submitted under section 8, the Authority may, not
later than 7 working days after it is so submitted, exempt it from being dealt
with under section 10 if it is, in the Authority's opinion, of a class or description
of film prescribed as suitable to be exempted under this section.

(2) A film may be exempted under this section subject to such conditions,
if any, relating to the suitability or unsuitability of the film for exhibition-

(a) to the public in general;

(b) to any class of the public;

(e) at a particular place;

(d) at a particular time;

(e) for a particular purpose;

(f) on one occasion; or

(g) on more than one occasion,

as the Authority thinks fit, and shall be subject to a condition that the film shall
not be exhibited with-
(i) any additions to; or
(ii) any excisions from,

the film in the form in which it was submitted under section 8.

(3) Where a film is exempted under this section, the Authority shall
forthwith issue to the person who submitted it under section 8 a certificate of
exemption-

(a) in the prescribed form; and

(b) endorsed with the conditions to which the exemption is subject.

(4) The Authority may revoke a certificate of exemption issued under this
section by notice in writing served either personally or by registered post on the
person to whom the certificate was issued if, having taken into consideration the
matters referred to in section 10(2), he is of the opinion that the film in respect of
which the certificate was issued should again be submitted under section 8.

(5) No fee shall be payable for a film dealt with under this section.

Action to be taken by Authority and censor in
relation to film which is not exempted

10. (1) Where a film is submitted under section 8, the Authority shall,
unless the film is dealt with under section 9, assign in respect of the film, as soon
as practicable but in any case not later than 7 working days after the film is so
submitted, a censor and may at the same time assign not less than 2 advisers.

(2) The censor shall as soon as practicable view the film and consider the
following matters for the purpose of making his decision under subsection (4)-

(a)whether the film portrays, depicts or treats cruelty, torture, violence,
crime, horror, disability, sexuality or indecent or offensive language or
behaviour;





(b)whether the film denigrates or insults any particular class of the public
by reference to the colour, race, religious beliefs or ethnic or national
origins or the sex of the members of that class; and

(c)whether there is a likelihood that the exhibition of the film would
seriously damage good relations with other territories.

(3) The censor shall, in viewing the film and considering the matters
referred to in subsection (2), also take into account the following matters-

(a)the effect of the film as a whole and its likely effect on the persons likely
to view the film;

(b)the artistic, educational, literary or scientific merit of the film and its
importance or value for cultural or social reasons;

(c)in relation to the intended exhibition of the film, the circumstances of
such exhibition; and

(d)article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(which deals with the principle of freedom of expression).

(4) Subject to subsections (5) and (6), the censor shall as soon as
practicable after viewing the film, considering the matters referred to in
subsection (2) and taking into account the matters referred to in sub-
section (3)-

(a)if he is of the opinion that the film is suitable for exhibition, approve
the film for exhibition, give it a classification under section 12(1) and
record in writing by reference to the relevant matter referred to in
subsection (2) or (3) a statement of the reasons for his decision;

(b)if he is of the opinion that the film is not suitable for exhibition
because of a matter referred to in subsection (2), refuse to approve the
film for exhibition and record in writing by reference to the relevant
matter referred to in subsection (2) a statement of the reasons for his
decision; or

(c)if he is of the opinion, by reason of a specified piece or specified pieces
of the film, that the film is not suitable for exhibition because of a
matter referred to in subsection (2), or that he is unable to give the film
an appropriate classification under section 12(1), record in writing-
(i) the classification under section 12(1) he would be prepared to
give to the film if such specified piece or pieces were excised from the
film; and
(ii) by reference to the relevant matter referred to in subsection (2),
a statement of the reasons for his decision, or the reasons why he is
unable to give the film an appropriate classification under section
12(1), as the case may be.

(5) The censor shall make his decision under subsection (4) not later than
21 days after the film is submitted under section 8 or such longer period, but in
any case not more than 35 days after the film is so submitted, as the Secretary
may allow in any particular case.

(6) The censor, before making his decision under subsection (4) and for
the purpose of forming an opinion on which to base such decision-





(a)shall consult with the advisers, if any, assigned under subsection (1) in
respect of the film; and

(b)may, with the approval of the Authority in writing, consult with any
other person,
but, in making such decision, is not bound by such consultation.

(7) For the purpose of subsections (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6), the references to
'censor' and 'film' mean, respectively, the censor assigned under subsection (1) in
respect of a film and the film in respect of which that censor is so assigned.

(8) A prescribed fee shall be payable for a film dealt with under this section.

Viewing of films screened for purpose of censorship

11. Where a film is screened for the purpose of section 10, no person shall be
present at such screening other than

(a) a censor;

(b) the advisers, if any, assigned under section 10(1) in respect of the film;

(c) the projectionist of the film;

(d)the Authority and such other persons as the Authority may allow to
attend; or

(e)any combination of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and
(d).

PART V

MATTERS CONSEQUENTIAL UPON CENSOR'S DECISION
IN RESPECT OF A FILM

Classification of films

12. (1) Where a censor approves a film for exhibition under section 10(4)(a), he
shall classify it as

(a) approved for exhibition to persons of any age;

(b)approved for exhibition to persons of any age subject to the condition
that any advertising material which relates to the film shall contain the
following notice, or a notice to the like effect, in block letters and Chinese
characters prominently and legibly displayed

'NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.

; or

(c)approved for exhibition only to persons who have attained the age of 18
years.

(2) The classification of a film under subsection (1) shall be designated by
such symbols for each of the classifications under that subsection as are
prescribed.





Certificate of approval, notice of refusal to
approve and notice concerning excision

13. (1) Where a censor approves a film for exhibition under section 10(4)(a) and
gives it a classification under section 12(1), the Authority shall forthwith issue to
the person who submitted the film under section 8 a certificate of approval

(a) in the prescribed form;

(b)in the case of a film given a classification under section 12(1)(b),
endorsed with the condition referred to in that section;

(c) endorsed with a condition that the film shall not be exhibited with-

(i) any additions to; or

(ii) any excisions from,

the film in the form in which it was submitted under section 8;

(d) setting out the classification of the film under section 12(1);

(e) endorsed with the appropriate symbol referred to in section 12(2); and
(f) endorsed with the censorship mark referred to in section 24.

(2) Where a censor refuses to approve a film for exhibition under section
10(4)(b), the Authority shall forthwith give written notice of the censor's decision
under that section to the person who submitted the film under section 8 and shall
state in the notice the reasons for the censor's decision.

(3) Where a censor deals with a film under section 10(4)(c), the Authority shall
forthwith give written notice of the censor's decision under that section to the
person who submitted the film under section 8 and shall

(a)specify in the notice the piece or pieces of the film requiring excision; and

(b) state in the notice the reasons for the censor's decision.

(4) Where subsection (3) applies in relation to a film, the Authority shall

(a) return the film to the person who submitted the film under section 8
to make the required excision, or upon that person's request make or
arrange such excision; and

(b) after any such excision has been made-

(i) approve the film for exhibition;

(ii) give the film the classification under section 12(1) which the censor
who dealt with the film under section 10(4)(c) recorded in writing as the
classification he would be prepared to give the film if such excision were
made; and

(iii) issue to the person who submitted the film under section 8 a
certificate of approval

(A) in the prescribed form;

(B)in the case of a film given a classification under section
12(1)(b), endorsed with the condition referred to in that
section;





(C)endorsed with a condition that the film shall not be exhibited
with any additions to, or any excisions from, the film in the form
in which it is after such excision;

(D) setting out the classification of the film under section 12(1);

(E)endorsed with the appropriate symbol referred to in section
12(2); and

(F) endorsed with the censorship mark referred to in section 24.

(5) No certificate of approval shall be issued under this section in respect of a
film unless any fee payable under section 10(8) for the film has been paid.

Excised film to be retained by Authority

14. (1) Where a person other than the Authority makes any excision to a film
for the purpose of section 13(4), he shall forthwith deposit with the Authority the
piece of film so excised.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Authority shall retain each piece of film
excised by him under section 13(4), or deposited with him under subsection (1) of
this section, for not less than 5 years, and thereafter the piece of film may be
disposed of in such manner as he thinks fit.

(3) The person who submitted the film under section 8 from which a piece of
film retained by the Authority under subsection (2) was excised may, at any time,
request in writing the Authority to return to him that piece of film and, unless that
piece of film has otherwise been disposed of under subsection (2), the Authority
shall forthwith return that piece of film to that person if that person returns to the
Authority the certificate of approval issued under section 13(4) in respect of that
film.

(4) Where a certificate of approval issued under section 13(4) is returned to the
Authority under subsection (3), the certificate shall be deemed to be revoked.

(5) A person who fails to comply with subsection (1) commits an offence and
is liable on conviction to a fine of $10,000.

PART VI

EXHIBITION OF FILMS

Film not to be exhibited without display of
certificate of exemption or approval

15. (1) A person shall not exhibit a film in respect of which a certificate of
exemption has been issued under section 9 or a certificate of approval has been
issued under section 13 unless the certificate, or a legible photocopy thereof, is
displayed and kept displayed in a conspicuous position in or about the entrance to
the part of the place intended to be occupied by persons viewing the exhibition of
the film during the period of the exhibition of the film.

(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable
on conviction to a fine of $10,000.





PART VII

ESTABLISHMENT OF BOARD OF REVIEW AND FUNCTIONS OF BOARD

Board of Review

16. (1) For the purposes of this Ordinance, there is hereby established a
Board of Review.

(2) The Board shall consist of the following members-

(a) the Secretary ex officio;

(b) 3 other persons being public officers appointed by the Governor; and

(c) 6 other persons not being public officers appointed by the Governor.

(3) Subject to sections 17(6), 18(7) and 19(8), at a meeting 6 members shall
form a quorum.

(4) The procedure of the Board at a meeting shall be determined by the
Board.

(5) The Governor shall appoint a member referred to in subsection (2)(c)
to be the chairman of the Board, but in the event of the chairman's absence
from a meeting, the members present shall appoint one of their number to
preside as chairman; and the chairman or person presiding shall have a
deliberative and a casting vote.

(6) The validity of any proceedings of the Board shall not be affected by-

(a) any defect in the appointment of any member;

(b)the absence of any member from the meeting at which any such
proceeding occurred; or

(c) any vacancy among members.

Request of person who submitted film to
review decision of Authority or censor

17. (1) Where a person who submits a film under section 8 is aggrieved by
a decision of the Authority or a censor made under this Ordinance in respect of
the film, that person may, by notice in writing which-

(a) states the reasons why he is so aggrieved; and

(b)is delivered to the Secretary, in such manner and at such place as is
prescribed, not later than 28 days after the day on which he is notified
under this Ordinance of the decision,

request the Board to review under this section that decision.

(2) Where a request is made under subsection (1), the Secretary shall-

(a) forthwith issue to the members who are in Hong Kong-
(i) a copy of the-notice under that subsection which makes that
request; and
(ii) a copy of the decision to which that request relates;





(b)after consultation with the members appointed under section 16(2)(c) who
are in Hong Kong, fix a date and time for a meeting to review the decision
to which that request relates which shall be not later than 21 days after
delivery of the notice under subsection (1) which makes that request; but
if, after that consultation, in the opinion of the Secretary, it is not
practicable for him to fix a date and time within that period, he may fix a
date and time not later than 35 days after delivery of that notice; and

(c)after a date and time is fixed under paragraph (b) for a meeting to review
the decision to which that request relates, forthwith by notice in writing
served either personally or by registered post on the person who made
that request

(i) require that person to produce to the Secretary, at a place specified
in that notice, on or before that date and time, the film (or a copy thereof)
to which that decision relates; and

(ii) inform that person that he, or his authorized representative, or both,
may attend before the Board on that date and time and, if so attending,
shall be permitted to make representations.

(3) Subject to subsection (6), the Board shall at a meeting review the decision
to which a request under subsection (1) relates by

(a) viewing the film (or a copy thereon to which the decision relates;

(b)considering the documents concerned issued to it under subsection
(2)(a); and

(c)considering the representations, if any, made in pursuance of subsection
(2)(c)(ii),

and thereafter, taking into consideration the matters referred to in section 10(2) and
taking into account the matters referred to in section 10(3), shall complete the
review by

(i)' in relation to the decision, giving directions in writing to the Authority or
a censor with respect to the exercise by him of any of his functions under
this Ordinance, and the Authority or the censor, as the case may be, shall
comply with any such directions; or

(ii) in writing, refusing to give any such directions.

(4) Where under subsection (3) the Board completes the review of the decision
to which a request under subsection (1) relates, the Secretary shall forthwith serve
either personally or by registered post on the person who made that request a copy
of the directions or refusal, as the case may be, given under subsection (3) in
respect of that review.

(5) Where at a meeting for the purpose of subsection (3) the Board does not
complete the review of the decision to which a request under subsection (1) relates,
the Board may complete the review at any subsequent meeting, and the review may
be continued notwithstanding any change in the membership of the Board.

(6) At a meeting for the purpose of subsection (3), 6 members shall form a
quorum but if, after 30 minutes have elapsed since the time fixed for the meeting,
less than 6 members are in attendance at the meeting, then 4 members shall form a
quorum.





(7) Where, consequent upon a request under subsection (1), a person fails to comply
with a requirement under subsection (2)(c)(i) as specified in a notice served on him under
subsection (2)(c), the Board shall refuse to review the decision to which that request relates.

(8) Where, consequent upon a request under subsection (1), a person complies with a
requirement under subsection (2)(c)(i) as specified in a notice served on him under
subsection (2)(c), the Secretary shall, after that request is fully disposed of under this
section, forthwith return to that person the film produced to the Secretary in accordance
with that notice.

(9) The Authority and a censor shall each have such powers as are necessary to give
effect to any directions given to him under subsection (3)(i) by the Board, and such powers
shall include, in the case of the Authority, the power to revoke a certificate issued under this
Ordinance.

Request of Authority to review decision of censor

18. (1) Where the Authority, having taken into consideration the matters referred to in
section 10(2), is of the opinion that the decision under section 10(4) in respect of a film
which has resulted in the issue of a certificate of approval under section 13 for the film is
not, or is no longer, the appropriate decision under section 10(4) in respect of that film, he
may by notice in writing which

(a) states the reasons why he is of that opinion; and

(b)is delivered to the Secretary, in such manner and at such place as is prescribed,

request the Board to review under this section that decision.

(2) The Authority shall, at the same time as he makes a request under subsection (1),
deliver to the person to whom the certificate referred to in that subsection was issued in
respect of the film to which that request relates

(a)a copy of the notice under subsection (1) which makes that request; and

(b)a statement informing that person that he may, not later than 7 days after
delivery of that notice and statement, make written representations to the Board
in respect of that request by delivering such representations to the Secretary at
such place as is specified in that statement.

(3) Where a request is made under subsection (1), the Secretary shall, after the
expiration of 7 days from the making of that request

(a) forthwith issue to the members who are in Hong Kong-

(i) a copy of the notice under that subsection which makes that request;

(ii) a copy of the decision to which that request relates; and

(iii) a copy of any written representations made under subsection (2) in
respect of that request;





(b)after consultation with the members appointed under section 16(2)(c) who
are in Hong Kong, fix a date and time for a meeting to review the decision
to which that request relates which shall be not later than 21 days after the
issue of the documents concerned under paragraph (a); but if, after that
consultation, in the opinion of the Secretary, it is not practicable for him to
fix a date and time within that period, he may fix a date and time not later
than 35 days after the issue of those documents; and

(c)after a date and time is fixed under paragraph (b) for a meeting to review
the decision to which that request relates, forthwith by notice in writing
served either personally or by registered post on the person to whom the
certificate referred to in subsection (1) was issued in respect of the film to
which that request relates

(i) require that person to produce to the Secretary, at a place specified
in that notice, on or before that date and time, that film (or a copy
thereof); and

(ii) inform that person that he, or his authorized representative, or both,
may attend before the Board on that date and time and, if so attending,
shall be permitted to make representations.

(4) Subject to subsection (7), the Board shall at a meeting review the decision
to which a request under subsection (1) relates by

(a) viewing the film (or a copy thereof) to which the decision relates;

(b)considering the documents concerned issued to it under subsection
(3)(a); and

(c)considering the representations, if any, made in pursuance of subsection
(3)(c)(ii),

and thereafter, taking into consideration the matters referred to in section 10(2) and
taking into account the matters referred to in section 10(3), shall complete the
review by

(i)in relation to the decision, giving directions in writing to the Authority or
a censor with respect to the exercise by him of any of his functions under
this Ordinance, and the Authority or the censor, as the case may be, shall
comply with any such directions; or

(ii) in writing, refusing to give any such directions.

(5) Where under subsection (4) the Board completes the review of the decision
to which a request under subsection (1) relates, the Secretary shall forthwith serve
either personally or by registered post on the person to whom the certificate
referred to in subsection (1) was issued in respect of the film to which that request
relates a copy of the directions or refusal, as the case may be, given under
subsection (4) in respect of that review.

(6) Where at a meeting for the purpose of subsection (4) the Board does not
complete the review of the decision to which a request under subsection (1) relates,
the Board may complete the review at any subsequent meeting, and the review may
be continued notwithstanding any change in the membership of the Board.





(7) At a meeting for the purpose of subsection (4), 6 members shall form a
quorum but if, after 30 minutes have elapsed since the time fixed for the meeting,
less than 6 members are in attendance at the meeting, then 4 members shall form a
quorum.

(8) Where, consequent upon a request under subsection (1), a person fails to
comply with a requirement under subsection (3)(c)(i) as specified in a notice served
on him under subsection (3)(c)

(a)the Board shall refuse to review the decision to which that request
relates; and

(b)the certificate referred to in subsection (1) issued in respect of the film to
which that request relates shall be deemed to be revoked.

(9) Where, consequent upon a request under subsection (1), a person
complies with a requirement under subsection (3)(c)(i) as specified in a notice
served on him under subsection (3)(c), the Secretary shall, after that request is fully
disposed of under this section, forthwith return to that person the film produced to
the Secretary in accordance with that notice.

(10) The Authority and a censor shall each have such powers as are
necessary to give effect to any directions given to him under subsection (4)(i) by
the Board, and such powers shall include, in the case of the Authority, the power
to revoke a certificate issued under this Ordinance.

Request of person aggrieved by exhibition of film
to review decision of Authority or censor

19. (1) Where a film in respect of which a certificate of exemption has been
issued under section 9 or a certificate of approval has been issued under section 13
is exhibited, a person who upon moral, religious, educational or other grounds is
aggrieved by the exhibition of the film may by notice in writing which

(a) states the reasons why he is so aggrieved; and

(b)is delivered to the Chief Secretary, in such manner and at such place as is
prescribed,

request the Board to review under this section the decision of the Authority or a
censor under this Ordinance which has resulted in the issue of the certificate in
respect of the film to which that request relates.

(2) Where a request is made under subsection (1), the Chief Secretary may,
after taking into consideration the matters referred to in section 10(2), by delivering
that request to the Secretary, refer to the Board the decision to which that request
relates.

(3) Where a request under subsection (1) is delivered to the Secretary under
subsection (2), the Secretary shall forthwith deliver to the person to whom the
certificate referred to in subsection (1) was issued in respect of the film to which
that request relates

(a)a copy of the notice under subsection (1) which makes that request; and





(b)a statement informing that person that he may, not later than 7 days after
delivery of that notice and statement, make written representations to the
Board in respect of that request by delivering such representations to the
Secretary at such place as is specified in that statement.

(4) Where, pursuant to a request under subsection (1) which is delivered to the
Secretary under subsection (2), the documents referred to in subsection (3)(a) and
(b) are delivered, the Secretary shall, after the expiration of 7 days from the delivery
of those documents

(a) forthwith issue to the members who are in Hong Kong-

(i) a copy of the notice under subsection (1) which makes that request;

(ii) a copy of the decision to which that request relates; and

(iii) a copy of any written representations made under subsection (3) in
respect of that request;

(b)after consultation with the members appointed under section 16(2)(c) who
are in Hong Kong, fix a date and time for a meeting to review the decision
to which that request relates which shall be not later than 21 days after the
issue of the documents concerned under paragraph (a); but if, after that
consultation, in the opinion of the Secretary, it is not practicable for him to
fix a date and time within that period, he may fix a date and time not later
than 35 days after the issue of those documents; and

(c)after a date and time is fixed under paragraph (b) for a meeting to review
the decision to which that request relates, forthwith by notice in writing
served either personally or by registered post on the person to whom the
certificate referred to in subsection (1) was issued in respect of the film to
which that request relates

(i) require that person to produce to the Secretary, at a place specified
in that notice, on or before that date and time, that film (or a copy
thereof); and

(ii) inform that person that he, or his authorized representative, or both,
may attend before the Board on that date and time and, if so attending,
shall be permitted to make representations.

(5) Subject to subsection (8), the Board shall at a meeting review the decision
to which a request under subsection (1) which is delivered to the Secretary under
subsection (2) relates by

(a) viewing the film (or a copy thereof) to which the decision relates;

(b)considering the documents concerned issued to it under subsection
(4)(a); and

(c)considering the representations, if any, made in pursuance of subsection
(4)(c)(ii),

and thereafter, taking into consideration the matters referred to in section 10(2) and
taking into account the matters referred to in section 10(3), shall complete the
review by





(i)in relation to the decision, giving directions in writing to the Authority or a censor
with respect to the exercise by him of any of his functions under this Ordinance,
and the Authority or the censor, as the case may be, shall comply with any such
directions; or

(ii) in writing, refusing to give any such directions.

(6) Where under subsection (5) the Board completes the review of the decision to
which a request under subsection (1) which is delivered to the

Secretary under subsection (2) relates, the Secretary shall forthwith serve either personally
or by registered post on the person to whom the certificate referred to in subsection (1) was
issued in respect of the film to which that request relates a copy of the directions or refusal,
as the case may be, given under subsection (5) in respect of that review.

(7) Where at a meeting for the purpose of subsection (5) the Board does not complete
the review of the decision to which a request under subsection (1) which is delivered to the
Secretary under subsection (2) relates, the Board may complete the review at any
subsequent meeting, and the review may be continued notwithstanding any change in the
membership of the Board.

(8) At a meeting for the purpose of subsection (5), 6 members shall form a quorum but
if, after 30 minutes have elapsed since the time fixed for the meeting, less than 6 members are
in attendance at the meeting, then 4 members shall form a quorum.

(9) Where, consequent upon a request under subsection (1) which is delivered to the
Secretary under subsection (2), a person fails to comply with a requirement under
subsection (4)(c)(i) as specified in a notice served on him under subsection (4)(c)

(a)the Board shall refuse to review the decision to which that request relates; and

(b)the certificate referred to in subsection (1) issued in respect of the film to which
that request relates shall be deemed to be revoked.

(10) Where, consequent upon a request under subsection (1) which is delivered to the
Secretary under subsection (2), a person complies with a requirement under subsection
(4)(c)(i) as specified in a notice served on him under subsection (4)(c), the Secretary shall,
after that request is fully disposed of under this section, forthwith return to that person the
film produced to the Secretary in accordance with that notice.

(11) The Authority and a censor shall each have such powers as are necessary to give
effect to any directions given to him under subsection (5)(i) by the Board, and such powers
shall include, in the case of the Authority, the power to revoke a certificate issued under this
Ordinance.

PART VIII

ENFORCEMENT AND
MISCELLANEOUS

Offence in relation to exhibition of films classified
for exhibition only to persons who have attained the
age of 18 years

20. (1) A person shall not exhibit a film which has the classification referred to in
section 12(1)(c) to a person under the age of 18 years.





(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable

(a) on a first or second conviction to a fine of $10,000; and

(b) on a third or subsequent conviction to a fine of $100,000.

(3) It shall be a defence to a charge under subsection (2) that the person
charged took all reasonable precautions during the exhibition of the film to which
the charge relates to prevent the exhibition of the film to persons under the age of
18 years.

Offence in relation to contravention of
conditions endorsed on certificate

21. (1) A person who contravenes a condition endorsed on-

(a) a certificate of exemption issued under section 9; or

(b) a certificate of approval issued under section 13,

commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $10,000 and
imprisonment for 6 months.

(2) It shall be a defence to a charge under subsection (1) alleging the
contravention of a condition referred to in section 9(2)(i) and (ii) or 13(1)(c) or
(4)(b)(iii)(C) that the person charged

(a)did not know that the film to which the charge relates did not comply with
that condition; and

(b)made such inquiries as were reasonable in his circumstances to ascertain
whether that film complied with that condition.

(3) A person to whom a certificate of exemption is issued under section 9, or a
certificate of approval is issued under section 13, in respect of a film who

(a) provides the film to another person; and

(b) knows that the film so provided-

(i) is intended for exhibition, whether by the person so provided with
the film or any other person; and

(ii) does not comply with a condition referred to in section 9(2)(i) and
(ii) or 13(1)(c) or (4)(b)(iii)(C) endorsed on the certificate,

commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $10,000 and
imprisonment for 6 months.

Offence in relation to revocation, etc.

22. (1) A person shall not exhibit a film in respect of which a certificate of
exemption issued under section 9 has been revoked or is deemed to be revoked
under this Ordinance unless and until there is in force in respect of the film

(a) a further certificate of exemption issued under section 9; or

(b) a certificate of approval issued under section 13.





(2) A person shall not exhibit a film in respect of which a certificate of
approval issued under section 13 has been revoked or is deemed to be revoked
under this Ordinance unless and until there is in force in respect of the film-

(a) a certificate of exemption issued under section 9; or

(b) a further certificate of approval issued under section 13.

(3) A person who knowingly contravenes subsection (1) or (2) commits an
offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for
6 months.

Inspection and enforcement

23. (1) The Authority may authorize in writing any public officer to be an
inspector for the purposes of this Ordinance.

(2) An inspector may-

(a)at all reasonable times enter any place in which he has reason to
believe a film is exhibited or intended to be exhibited;

(b) at any time enter any place in which he has reason to believe that an
offence under this Ordinance is being or has been committed; and

(c) in any place entered under paragraph (a) or (b)-
(i) seize a film which appears to him to be evidence of an offence
under this Ordinance; and
(ii) require any person found in that place to furnish to him for his
inspection, his proof of identity.

(3) An inspector shall, if requested by any person in any place entered
under subsection (2)(a) or (b), produce his authority as such inspector.

(4) A person who-

(a)wilfully obstructs an inspector in the exercise of a power under
subsection (2); or

(b)fails without reasonable excuse to furnish his proof of identity if so
required under subsection (2)(c)(ii),

commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $10,000 and imprison-
ment for 6 months.

Censorship mark

24. (1) The Authority may, by notice in the Gazette, adopt, and, in his
discretion, by notice in the Gazette, change or amend a censorship mark and
such censorship mark shall be evidence that a film in connection with which it is
displayed has been approved for exhibition under this Ordinance.

(2) A person who displays the censorship mark adopted under subsec-
tion (1), including the censorship mark as changed or amended under that
subsection, or a mark calculated to be mistaken for the censorship mark, in
connection with a film without the written consent of the Authority commits
an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for
6 months.





Authority may issue replacement certificates

25. (1) Where the Authority is satisfied that a certificate issued under a
provision of this Ordinance to a person has been destroyed, lost or stolen, he may,
upon application in the prescribed form by that person, issue to that person a
further certificate in like terms and, where any such further certificate is so issued, it
shall, for the purposes of this Ordinance, be deemed

(a) to be issued under that provision; and

(b)to be the certificate which the Authority is satisfied has been destroyed,
lost or stolen.

(2) A prescribed fee shall be payable for a certificate issued under this section,
and no such certificate shall be so issued unless the fee for such certificate has
been paid.

Proof of certain matters

26. A document purporting to be under the hand of the Authority stating that
a certificate attached to the document is a copy of a certificate issued under this
Ordinance in respect of a film described in that document shall in any proceedings
be admitted in evidence on its production without further proof, and until the
contrary is proved it shall be presumed that

(a) the person who signed that document was the Authority.'

(b) the certificate attached to that document is a true copy of the certificate
issued under this Ordinance in respect of the film described in that
document; and

(c)the matters contained in the certificate attached to that document are true.

Risk and expense relating to submission of film

27. (1) The submission or production of a film under section 8(1), 17(2)(c)(i),
18(3)(c)(i) or 19(4)(c)(i) shall be at the risk and expense of the person so submitting
or producing any such film.

(2) The-

(a) excision of film by the Authority under section 13(4)(a);

(b) deposit of pieces of excised film under section 14(1);

(c) retention of pieces of excised film under section 14(2),

shall be at the risk and expense of the person who submitted the film under section
8.

Delegation of powers

28. (1) The public officers specified in the Schedule may each exercise any of
the functions which the Authority may exercise tinder this Ordinance except the
function under section 6(2).





(2) The Chief Secretary may, by notice in the Gazelle, amend the Schedule.

Regulations

29. (1) The Governor in Council may by regulation provide for-

(a) the payment of allowances to advisers;

(b)the manner in, and the place at, which a film is to be submitted under
section 8;

(e)the information and particulars to be submitted together with a film under
section 8;

(d)the classes or descriptions of films that are suitable to be exempted under
section 9;

(e) the form of a certificate of exemption issued under section 9;

(f) the fee payable under section 10(8);

(g) the symbols designating the classifications of a film under section 12;

(h) the form of a certificate of approval issued under section 13;

(i)the manner in, and the place at, which a request under section 17 or 18 is
to be delivered to the Secretary;

(j)the manner in, and the place at, which a request under section 19 is to be
delivered to the Chief Secretary;

(k) the form of an application under section 25(1);

(l) the fee payable under section 25(2);

(m) the service of any document;

(n)in relation to a film containing a cigarette advertisement, the inclusion in
the advertisement of a health warning in such manner as is specified and
prohibiting the exhibition in Hong Kong of any such advertisement which
does not include such warning; and

(o) the better carrying into effect of the provisions of this Ordinance.

(2) Any regulations made under subsection (1)(f) may provide for a fee to be
fixed at a level which provides for the recovery of expenditure incurred or likely to
be incurred in the exercise of any functions under this Ordinance and shall not be
limited by reference to the amount of any administrative or other costs incurred or
likely to be incurred in the exercise of any particular function.

(3) Any regulations made under this section may provide that a contravention
thereof shall be an offence and may provide penalties for such offences not
exceeding a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.

Guidelines for censors

30. The Secretary may, for information, from time to time cause to be prepared
and published in the Gazette, for the guidance of censors, guidelines not
inconsistent with this Ordinance, indicating the manner in which it is proposed that
censors exercise their functions under this Ordinance.





No liability in the case of the bona fide exercise
of functions under this Ordinance

31. No liability shall be incurred by any public officer in respect of
anything done or omitted to be done by him bona fide in the exercise or
purported exercise of any of his functions under this Ordinance.

Transitional

32. (1) Subject to this section, where any film or matter has been
submitted or delivered under regulation 3 or 8 of the revoked regulations at
any time before the commencement of this Ordinance, then the provisions of
the Film Censorship Regulations (Cap. 172, sub. leg., 1987 Ed.), as in force
immediately before that commencement, shall apply to such film or matter-

(a)in the same manner as they applied to such film or matter immediately
before that commencement; and

(b) as if this Ordinance had not been enacted.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), at any time on and from the
commencement of this Ordinance, any film referred to in that subsection may be
submitted under section 8(1) and, where any such film is so submitted, on and
from the date of such submission, the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply
to such film so submitted as if such film so submitted had not been submitted
under regulation 3 of the revoked regulations.

(3) For the purposes of this section, 'revoked regulations' means-

(a)the Film Censorship Regulations (Cap. 172, sub. leg., 1984 Ed.) as in
force at any time before 5 June 1987; or

(b)the Film Censorship Regulations (Cap. 172, sub. leg., 1987 Ed.) as in
force at any time before the commencement of this Ordinance.

SCHEDULE [s. 28]

PUBLIC OFFICERS WHO MAY EXERCISE FUNCTIONS OF AUTHORITY EXCEPT
FUNCTION UNDER SECTION 6(2)

1. The Assistant Commissioner for Television and Entertainment Licensing.
2. The Chief Entertainment Standards Control Officer (Films).
L.N. 249/88 [s. 28]

L.N. 249/88 [s. 28]

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