CINEMA AND STAGE g S.L.10.17 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 10.17
CINEMA AND STAGE REGULATIONS 
28th September, 1937
GOVERNMENT NOTICE 430 of 1937, as amended by: Government
Notices: 54 of 1939, 504 of 1940, 108 of 1943, 66, 202, 240 and 440 of
1944, 384 of 1945, 730 of 1949, 349 of 1953, 552 of 1954, 334 of 1956, 495
of 1957 and 54 and 265 of 1958; Emergency Ordinance VII of 1958; Legal
Notices: 49 of 1959, and 22 and 46 of 1960; Ordinance XXV of 1962;
Legal Notices: 72 of 1968, 43 of 1973 and 5 of 1975; Act XVI of 1977;
Legal Notice 94 of 1981; Acts XIII of 1983 and  VIII of 1990; and Legal
Notices 82, 126 and 194 of 2000. Incorporating also GOVERNMENT NOTICE
418 of 1957.
Title .
Added by:
L.N. 22 of 1960.
1. The title of these Regulations is Cinema and Stage
Regulations.
Building.
Amended by:
G.N. 440 of 1944.
2. No building shall be used for cinematograph exhibitions
unless -
( a ) the premises in respect of which a licence is applied
for are, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Police,
not open to objection on the ground of proximity to a
church; and
( b ) it is provided with waiting rooms and adequate
permanent and emergency exits, to the satisfaction of
the Director of Public Works. The exits shall be at all
times maintained in the manner approved by the
Commissioner of Police and shall be provided with
luminous red or semi-obscured signs (EXITS and
EMERGENCY EXITS). All doors shall open
outwards: 
Provided that where in some particular case the
Commissioner of Police, with the advice of the
Director of Public Works, considers it expedient so to
do, he may dispense with such requirement in writing
and may impose such conditions as he may deem fit.
Seating.
arranged as not to interfere with free access to the exits. The
gangways and the passages leading to and from the exits shall have
no steps, and shall, during the presence of the public in the
building, be kept clear of obstructions. During the performance, the
public shall not be permitted to stand in the gangways or passages.
Marking of seats.
Added by:
G.N. 108 of 1943.
Substituted by:
G.N. 66 of 1944.
4. (1) Every seat in any building licensed for the giving of
cinematograph exhibitions shall be marked with a number and seats
shall be so arranged that the number marked on them proceed in
consecutive order beginning with number one (1).
(2) Every ticket issued in respect of any cinematograph
exhibition by or on behalf of the licensee of that building shall have
a number corresponding to that of the seat to be occupied by the
person to whom the ticket is issued.
2 g S.L.10.17 CINEMA AND STAGE
(3) The licensee of any building licensed for the giving of
cinematograph exhibitions shall, by every booking office, put up a
plan showing the seating accommodation in the building and the
prices payable for each set of seats.
(4) The number of persons admitted to any cinematograph
exhibition shall in no case exceed the number of persons indicated
in the licence in terms of regulation 35.
Fire appliances. 5. Fire appliances adequate for the protection of the building
and especially on the stage, where one exists, shall be provided.
Near the entrance to the stage there shall be a chemical fire
extinguisher, of not less than three gallons capacity, with spare
charges, a hydrant under pressure complete with flexible hose and
nozzle, two large buckets of water and other two buckets filled with
dry sand and ready for immediate use. In the enclosure for the
cinematograph apparatus there shall be similar fire appliances and a
damp blanket; but the hydrant shall be installed outside and close to
the door of the enclosure.
Hoses and nozzles. 6. Hoses and nozzles shall be kept in the immediate vicinity
of the hydrant for which they are intended, and in a way as to be
readily accessible.
Hoses to be of 
sufficient  length.
7. The hoses provided with each hydrant shall be of sufficient
length to convey the water to the whole area to be covered by the
hydrant.
Bucket hand pump. 8. A bucket hand pump of a type to be approved by the
Commissioner of Police shall be held in readiness near the buckets,
as provided for in regulation 5.
Trained fireman. 9. A trained fireman licensed by the Commissioner of Police,
or in his absence a member of the Police Force detailed to act as
such by the Commissioner of Police, shall be in attendance at all
the performances. The fireman is to wear a distinctive uniform to
be approved by the Commissioner of Police. The expense
incidental to the attendance of such fireman or policeman shall be
borne by the management.
Cinematograph 
apparatus.
10. The cinematograph apparatus shall be placed in an
enclosure of substantial construction, made of or lined internally
with fire resisting material and of sufficient dimensions to allow
the operator to work freely.
The enclosure is to be properly ventilated. The vent holes to be
communicated to the exterior of the auditorium and to have metal
shutters that may be easily closed from outside the enclosure so as
to stop any escape of fire or smoke.
Entrance to the 
enclosure.
11. The entrance to the enclosure shall be suitably placed, and
shall be fitted with a self-closing door, constructed of fire resisting
material.
Enclosure to be 
efficiently bushed.
12. The openings through which the necessary pipes and cables
pass into the enclosure shall be efficiently bushed.
Opening of 
enclosure.
13. The openings in the front face of the enclosure shall not be
larger than is necessary for effective projection and shall not
exceed three in each enclosure. Each such opening shall be fitted
CINEMA AND STAGE g S.L.10.17 3
with a screen of fire-resisting material, which can be released both
inside and outside the enclosure, so that it automatically closes
with a close-fitting joint.
Enclosure door and 
openings.
14. The door of the enclosure and all openings, bushes, and
joints shall be constructed and maintained as to prevent, so far as
possible, the escape of any smoke into the auditorium.
Contact with the 
enclosure.
15. If the enclosure is inside the auditorium, effectual means
shall be taken to prevent the public from coming into contact with
the enclosure. 
Prohibition of 
smoking.
16. No smoking shall at any time be permitted within, or in the
vicinity of, the enclosure, or on the stage. Posters to this effect
printed in Maltese and English and shall be put in conspicuous
places.
Inflammable 
articles.
17. No inflammable article shall unnecessarily be taken into,
or allowed to remain in the enclosure or on the stage.
Lanterns.
fire resisting material, and shall be provided with a metal sliding
shutter which can be readily inserted between the source of light
and the film-gate.
Film-gate.
provided with ample heat-radiating surface. The films shall be
placed in metallic boxes so constructed as to prevent flame
travelling upwards or downwards from the light opening.
Cinematograph 
projectors.
20. Cinematograph projectors shall be fitted with two metal
film-boxes of substantial construction, and not more than thirty-
five point five centimetres in diameter, inside measurement, and to
and from these the films shall be made to travel. The film-boxes
shall be made to close in such a manner, and shall be fitted with a
film-slot (fissure) so constructed as to prevent the passage of flame
to the interior of the box.
Spools.
be wound upon spools so that the wound film shall not at any time
reach or project beyond the edges of the flanges of the spool.
Storage of films 
when not in use.
22. Only that film in use can be kept in the enclosure during
the exhibition; all other films shall be stored in closed metal boxes
in a safe place outside and away from the enclosure. No material
that is not essentially required in the enclosure shall be stored
therein.
Control of general 
lighting of 
auditorium.
23. (1) There shall be separate and independent means of
control of the general lighting of the auditorium, exits, and
enclosures, from a convenient place at or near the main entrance of
the building.
(2) There shall also be a sufficient number of red or semi-
obscured lights in the auditorium during the exhibitions. Candle
lanterns shall be kept ready for immediate use in the auditorium in
the event of failure of the electric light.
Emergency lamps.
building is open to the public.
4 g S.L.10.17 CINEMA AND STAGE
Exit and 
emergency exit 
lanterns.
25.  The exit and emergency exit lanterns shall be illuminated by
means of candles or paraffin lamps, the lanterns to be made entirely
of non-combustible material.
Combustible 
material.
26. No combustible material shall be allowed within a radius
of one point five metres of the exit lanterns.
Asbestos sheet to 
be placed above 
lantern.
27. When combustible material is necessarily placed above a
lantern, a one point two metres square asbestos sheet is to be
provided at a height of not less than one metre above the lantern.
Type of light used 
within lantern.
28. No illuminant other than electric light or lime light shall be
used within the lantern.
Insulating material. 29. Within the enclosure the insulating material of all electric
cables, including leads or lamps switches, fuses, terminals and all
other electric materials shall be covered with fire resisting material
and each lamp shall have its own fuse.
Slack cable. 30. There shall be no unnecessary slack electric cable within
the enclosure.
Cabling, etc., to be 
approved by 
Enemalta.
Amended by:
XVI. 1977.47.
31. Where electric light is used, the cabling, circuits, leads
resistances, and all other connections shall be subject to previous
approval by Enemalta, and the operator shall be responsible that the
same are at any time in proper working order.
Metal work. 32. All metal work carrying cables or in any way connected
with the electricity supply are to be firmly connected to earth or to
a water main of not less than three point eight centimetres diameter,
earthing wire being not less than 7/16 S.W.G., all joints being well
soldered.
Lime light. 33. Where lime light is used in the lanterns, the gas cylinder,
containers and tubing shall not be used without the previous
approval of the Commissioner of Police.
The gas cylinder and containers shall be installed outside
the enclosure.
Design to be 
submitted for 
approval.
34.  The owner of a cinema theatre shall submit for approval a
design of the whole building showing all details including the
seating accommodation, gangway, passages and exits.
Granting and 
renewal of licence.
Amended by:
XVI. 1977.47.
35. (1) No licence for the use of a building for cinematograph
exhibitions shall be granted or renewed except on a report signed
by the Director of the Public Works and the manager of Enemalta,
showing that all the requirements of these regulations have been
complied with.
(2) The licence shall indicate the number of persons to be
admitted in the pit, galleries and boxes.
Sanitation. 36. No such licence shall be granted unless the premises are
reported by the Chief Government Medical Officer to be
satisfactory from a sanitary point of view.
Ventilation, 
cleanliness, etc.
37. It shall be the duty of the licensee to keep every part of the
building in a good and proper state as regards ventilation,
cleanliness and all other conditions that affect health. In particular,
it shall be the duty of the licensee or his representative to furnish
the auditorium with electric fans or other similar devices to the
CINEMA AND STAGE g S.L.10.17 5
satisfaction of the Chief Government Medical Officer and to cause
them to be kept working at all necessary times.
Intervals.
Added by:
G.N. 202 of 1944.
Substituted by:
G.N. 334 of 1956.
Amended by:
L.N. 72 of 1968.
38. (1) It is prohibited to hold any interval of more than eight
minutes’ duration during a cinematographic exhibition, and an
interval shall in no case be held during the showing of the main
feature film without the written permission of the Commissioner of
Police.
(2) Between one cinematograph exhibition and another there
shall be an interval of not less that ten minutes during which the
hall in which the cinematograph films are projected onto the screen
shall be kept clear of every person other than permanent employees
and members of the Police Force or other than government officers
on duty. During this interval all ventilating, openings in or leading
to the hall shall be kept wide open and electric fans shall be kept
working.
(3) Where any hall in which any cinematograph film is being
projected is provided with an efficient and adequate air-
conditioning system to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of
Public Health, the provisions of sub-regulation (2) shall not apply
if such system is efficiently maintained and is in operation during
the projection of such film.
Right of entry.
times to any part of the premises to ascertain that the ventilation of
the building, the cleanliness and all other sanitary conditions are
satisfactory.
Prohibition of 
dogs.
40. It is prohibited to introduce dogs into the auditorium or to
keep or allow to be kept any dog therein.
Validity of licence.
and shall be valid till the 31st December of the year of issue unless
previously suspended or revoked for any infringement of these
Regulations, or for any alteration made in the building or enclosure
without the sanction of the Commissioner of Police.
Board of Film and 
Stage 
Classification.
Substituted by:
L.N. 22 of 1960.
Amended by:
L.N. 46 of 1960;
L.N. 43 of 1973;
L.N. 94 of 1981;
L.N. 82 of 2000;
L.N. 126 of 2000.
42. (1) There shall be a board, to be called the Board of Film
and Stage Classification, hereinafter referred to as the ''Board'',
which shall consist of a chairperson and such number of other
members, not being less than five and not more than fifteen, as
shall be appointed annually by the Minister responsible for the
Police, and shall exercise and perform the functions assigned to it
by these Regulations.
(2) It shall be the function of the Board to classify films and
stage productions on the basis of guidelines to be drawn up by the
Board based on the following main criteria:
( a ) the standards of morality, decency and propriety
generally accepted by reasonable adults; and
( b ) the literary, artistic or educational merit, if any, of the
production; and
( c ) the general character of the production including
whether it is of medical, legal or scientific character;
and
6 g S.L.10.17 CINEMA AND STAGE
( d ) the person or class of persons to whom it is intended or
by whom the production is likely to be viewed.
(3) The names of the members of the Board shall be published
in the Government Gazette.
(4) Every film shall be classified by at least two members of
the Board in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.
(5) When, upon any occasion, the Board desires to obtain the
advice of any person upon any particular matter or matters, the
chairman of the said Board may co-opt such person to be a member
for such meeting or meetings as may be required, and such person,
while so co-opted, shall have all the rights and privileges of a
member, save that he shall not be entitled to take part in any
decision or in the report referred to in regulation 45.
(6) The provisions of sub-regulation (3) and of regulation 47(5)
shall not apply to any persons co-opted to be members as provided
in sub-regulation (5).
(7) The fees payable to every classifier of film and stage
productions shall be the following:
( a ) in respect of the classification of films:
(i) fifty cents per film trailer;
(ii) four liri per film;
( b ) in respect of the classification of stage productions:
for plays or stage productions, both local and
foreign, four liri per play or production.
(8) The Chairperson of the Board of Film and Stage
Classification shall be paid a fee of three hundred and fifty liri  per
annum  in addition to the fees provided for in sub-regulation (7).
Classification of 
films.
Amended by:
L.N. 22 of 1960;
L.N. 126 of 2000.
43. The classification of films shall be carried out in
accordance with the arrangements made by the Board in
consultation with the Commissioner of Police, and duly notified to
the licensees of cinematographs.
Application for 
examination.
Amended by:
L.N. 126 of 2000.
44. Applications for the examination of films by classifiers
shall be made to the chairman of the Board on forms to be obtained
from the Commissioner of Police free of charge. 
Examination by 
classifiers.
Amended by:
G.N. 730 of 1949;
L.N. 22 of 1960;
L.N. 5 of 1975;
L.N. 126 of 2000.
45. The examining classifiers shall report to the Commissioner
of Police on the application form whether having regard, in their
discretion, to public morality, decency or propriety, or to the public
interest, the film to which the application refers may or may not be
passed for exhibition with or without any suppressed parts, and
shall classify such film into one of the following five categories,
namely: 
(i) ‘U’ - UNIVERSAL. Suitable for all.
(ii) ‘PG’ - PARENTAL GUIDANCE. Some scenes
are unsuitable for young children and the
guidance of parents or guardians is deemed
necessary.
(iii) ‘12’ - Suitable only for persons of twelve years
CINEMA AND STAGE g S.L.10.17 7
and over.
(iv) ‘16’ - Suitable only for persons of sixteen years
and over.
(v) ‘18’ - Suitable only for persons of eighteen years
and over.
Issue of certificate.
certificate accordingly.
Review of decision 
of examining 
classifiers.
Added by:
L.N. 22 of 1960.
Amended by:
L.N. 46 of 1960;
L.N. 126 of 2000.
47. (1) Where the examining classifiers have reported that a
film- 
( a ) is fit for exhibition in any of the categories specified in
regulation 45, with or without suppressed parts; or
( b ) is not fit for exhibition in any category specified in
regulation 45, 
the person who has applied for the examination of the film may, if
he feels aggrieved by the decision, within ten days thereof, apply in
writing to the chairperson of the Board for a review of such
decision.
(2) On receipt of such application, the chairman of the Board
shall make the necessary arrangements for the film to be examined
again by at least three classifiers whose decision, subject to the
provisions of regulation 48, shall be final.
(3) If the chairperson of the Board has not taken part in the first
examination, the second examination shall be carried out by the
chairperson and at least two other members nominated by him for
the purpose.
(4) If the chairperson of the Board has taken part in the first
examination, the second examination shall be carried out by such
number of classifiers, not being less than three, as the chairperson
shall nominate for the purpose.
(5) The classifiers who have taken part in the first examination
shall not be eligible for nomination by the chairperson under sub-
regulation (3) or sub-regulation (4).
(6) The second examination of the film shall be held not later
than fifteen days from the receipt of the application by the
chairperson of the Board.
Where film has not 
been passed by 
Board.
Added by:
L.N. 22 of 1960.
Amended by:
L.N. 126 of 2000.
48. Where a film, with or without a second examination as
provided in regulation 47, has not been passed by the Board as fit
for exhibition in any category specified in regulation 45, such film
may not be submitted again for classification before the expiration
of one year from the decision.
Exhibition of film.
Amended by:
G.N. 54 of 1939;
G.N. 504 of 1940;
G.N. 384 of 1945;
G.N. 495 of 1957;
G.N. 49 of 1959;
L.N. 126 of 2000.
49. (1) No film shall be exhibited in any place unless the
licensee is in possession of a certificate from the Customs
authorities giving particulars and date of entry of the film and a
certificate from the Commissioner of Police to the effect that the
film has been passed by the classifiers. The latter certificate shall
only be valid for a period of one year to be reckoned from the date
on which it is issued. It shall be exhibited in a conspicuous place at
the entrance of the premises and a notice over the signature of the
8 g S.L.10.17 CINEMA AND STAGE
Commissioner of Police to the effect that the film has been passed
by the classifiers shall be shown on the screen before the exhibition
of the film to which it refers.
(2) The licensee of every cinema shall present for registration
daily at the main police station of the town or village in which the
cinema is located all classification certificates in respect of any
programme due for exhibition on that day. Such presentation shall
be made not less than one hour before the starting time in the case
of programmes the exhibition of which starts at any time during the
forenoon, and by not later than 11a.m. in the case of all other
programmes:
Provided that, in respect of commercial advertising
filmlets, the Commissioner of Police may, on an application made,
in writing exempt the licensee from compliance with the provisions
of this sub-regulation, and in every such exemption there shall be
implied the following conditions:
( a ) that the classification certificates in respect of the
commercial advertising filmlets due for exhibition
have been duly issued prior to such exhibition; 
( b ) that the licensee presents at the main police station of
the town or village in which the cinema is located on
each day on which any such commercial advertising
filmlets are due for exhibition and prior to such
exhibition, a note containing the names of the
commercial advertising filmlets due for exhibition on
that day.
Saving such other conditions as the Commissioner of
Police thinks fit to impose.
Admission to film 
exhibition.
Substituted by:
G.N. 730 of 1949.
Amended by:
L.N. 5 of 1975.
Substituted by:
L.N. 126 of 2000.
50. Whenever a particular film is classified under any of the
categories specified in regulation 45, no persons below the age
specified in any particular thereof shall be admitted to the
exhibition of that film and in each such case the notice referred to
in regulation 49 shall include an intimation to the effect that such
persons are not allowed admission to the exhibition of that film.
Furthermore in each such case an intimation to the same effect set
out in large type shall be affixed at the entrance of the premises.
Films which may 
be shown in the 
same programme.
Added by:
G.N. 240 of 1944.
Substituted by:
G.N. 730 of 1947.
Amended by:
G.N. 495 of 1957;
L.N. 5 of 1975.
Substituted by:
L.N. 126 of 2000.
51. (1) The films which may be shown in the same programme
as the category of main feature films indicated in the First Column
below shall be of the category or categories stated in the Second
Column below, and it shall be an offence to exhibit, with such main
feature films, any film, not being an advertising film passed by the
Board, classified in a different category.
First Column Second Column
Main Feature  Other Films
U U
PG PG and U
12 12, PG and U
16 16, 12, PG and U
18 18, 12, PG and U
CINEMA AND STAGE g S.L.10.17 9
Where in the case of a double feature, this comprises an 18
category film and a film in any other category, the 18 category film
shall be deemed to be the main feature film, and where it comprises
a 16 category film and a 12 or PG or U category film, the 16
category film shall be deemed to be the main feature film, and
where it comprises a 12 category film and a PG or U category film,
the 12 category film shall be deemed to be the main feature film,
and where it comprises a PG category film and a U category film,
the PG category film shall be deemed to be the main feature film.
(2) Whenever a cinema programme comprises even a single
film classed as fit only for a certain category of persons in
accordance with regulation 45, no other person below the age
specified under that particular category shall be admitted to see any
part of that programme.
Proof by licensee.
Added by:
G.N. 349 of 1953.
Amended by:
L.N. 46 of 1960;
L.N. 126 of 2000.
52. In the cases referred to in regulations 50 and 51, the
licensee and, as the case may be, his agent or servant shall not be
guilty of the offence of admitting to the exhibition or programme a
person below the requisite age, if he proves to the satisfaction of
the court that, having regard to the circumstances, he had reason to
believe that the person was of the requisite age, and shall in no case
be guilty of an offence if any person over the age specified in the
category gains admission to an exhibition or programme from
which he is excluded on account of age.
Commission of 
offence.
Added by:
G.N. 349 of 1953.
Amended by:
L.N. 46 of 1960;
L.N. 126 of 2000.
53. Any person who gains admission to an exhibition or
programme from which he is excluded on account of age shall be
guilty of an offence.
Exhibition of 
poster.
Amended by:
G.N. 730 of 1949;
L.N. 5 of 1975.
Substituted by:
L.N. 126 of 2000.
Amended by:
L.N. 194 of 2000.
54. The licensee shall insert on every poster and advertisement
exhibited to the public, as soon as the certificate referred to in
regulation 46 is issued by the Commissioner of Police, one of the
following five notices, as the case may be, in block letters:
Stills.
Amended by:
L.N. 126 of 2000.
55. Stills shall not be exhibited outside the licensed premises
unless they have been previously passed by the classifiers.
Meaning of ''film''.
"films" shall include posters, notices, photographs, pamphlets or
synopsis relative to films.
TEXT NOTICES FOR CINEMA AND THEATRE PREMISES
U certificate Persons of all ages admitted
PG certificate Persons of all ages admitted but very young
children to be accompanied by parents or
guardians
12 certificate Persons of 12 years and over admitted
16 certificate Persons of 16 years and over admitted
18 certificate Persons of 18 years and over admitted.
10 g S.L.10.17 CINEMA AND STAGE
Reservation of 
stalls for 
classifiers.
Substituted by:
G.N. 334 of 1956.
Amended by:
L.N. 126 of 2000.
57. (1) The licensee of a cinema or a theatre shall at every
performance reserve, free of charge, two stalls in the pit for any
classifier to view the film or stage production. The Commissioner
of Police shall issue to each classifier a pass indicating the
classifier’s name, which pass shall not be transferable to any
person.
(2) The licensee of a cinema may admit free of charge, on
production of a pass signed by him, not more than four persons for
each performance provided that such free admissions may not
amount, in the aggregate, to more than twelve persons during any
one day.
(3) The passes mentioned in this regulation shall be produced
on demand to any employee of the cinema or to any Police officer.
Responsibility of 
licensee.
58. The licensee shall be responsible for the correct exhibition
of the film to which the certificate refers, as well as for the strict
observance of these Regulations.
Suspension of 
exhibition.
59. It shall be lawful for the Commissioner of Police, for
reasons of public order or morality or for non-compliance with any
of these Regulations, to order the suspension of any exhibition and
the closing of any cinematograph building for a period not
exceeding fifteen days.
Duration of 
exhibition.
Added by:
G.N. 334 of 1956.
Substituted by:
G.N. 54 of 1958.
Amended by:
VII. 1958.2;
XXV. 1962.5;
L.N. 72 of 1968;
L.N. 126 of 2000.
60. (1) Every exhibition of films to which the public is
admitted against payment shall, unless a special exemption has
been granted at his discretion by the Minister responsible for the
Police, be of not less than two hours and eight minutes’ duration
including any interval permitted under regulation 38(1), and shall
comprise a main feature film and a make-up programme which
shall include a news reel and interest or other shorts (including
cartoons), provided that a period of not more than eight minutes
may be reserved for the showing of advertising films or the
projection of other advertising material.
(2) If the showing of the main feature film takes longer than
one hour and fifty-eight minutes a make-up programme need not be
shown, but if it does not take longer than one hour and fifty-eight
minutes, as much of the remaining period as the time available
allows shall be occupied by the showing of a make-up programme
of news reels and shorts.
Closing time of 
cinematographs.
61. Cinematographs shall close not later than twelve midnight.
Extension of 
closing time.
62. (1) On an application made to him, the Commissioner of
Police may, in special cases, extend, at his discretion, the closing
time specified in regulation 61 of these Regulations.
(2) The application referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be
made at least four days before the day in respect of which the
extension of the closing time is applied for.
CINEMA AND STAGE g S.L.10.17 11
Where film is 
shown in two 
cinemas.
Added by:
G.N. 334 of 1956.
Amended by:
G.N. 265 of 1958.
63. Where any cinematograph film, not being a news reel, is
being shown concurrently at two cinemas, the importer of the film
shall provide a print of the whole of such film to each of the two
cinemas.
Dramatic and other 
stage productions.
Added by:
L.N. 22 of 1960.
Amended by:
L.N. 126 of 2000
64. (1) Dramatic and other stage productions shall be subject
to classification as provided in this regulation.
(2) Any person who, in any place to which the public is
admitted, whether against payment or not, presents any dramatic or
other stage productions -
( a ) without having previously obtained a certificate from
one of the classifiers appointed under this regulation
stating that, having regard to public morality, decency
or propriety, or the public interest, it is suitable for
presentation to the public; or 
( b ) otherwise than in accordance with any directions given
to him by any such classifier as aforesaid, 
shall be guilty of an offence against these Regulations.
Use of cinema for 
dramatic or other 
stage production.
Added by:
L.N. 22 of 1960.
65. Every cinema exhibitor shall have the right, by giving
fourteen days clear notice in writing to an importer of films with
whom he has contracted to exhibit a film or films, on any particular
day, to use his cinema for a dramatic or other stage production on
that day, not being a Sunday or public holiday, and provided that
the exhibitor shall not make use of this facility more than once in
any week, he shall not be deemed to have committed any
infringement of his contract with the importer by the exercise of
such right.
Offences and 
penalties.
Added by:
G.N. 495 of 1957.
Amended by:
XIII. 1983.5;
VIII. 1990.3.
66. Any person who is found guilty by the Court of
Magistrates (Malta) or the Court of Magistrates (Gozo) of an
offence against these Regulations shall be liable to a fine
( ammenda ) of not less than five liri for each contravention,
provided that in the case of a second or subsequent offence
committed within six months from the date of any previous
conviction under these Regulations or any other Regulations
relating to cinemas, such fine shall be of not less than ten liri and
not more than twenty liri for each contravention.
