Is it illegal to walk into a different film in the cinema?

1

I’m 13 and my favourite film (Se7en) is being shown at cineworld uk. I’m desperate to go but obviously I’m not 18 and I don’t even look 15 yet. I was thinking about trying to convince my mum to take me if we buy a ticket for another film at the same time, then go to the bathroom and go to the different screening where se7en will be playing. If I can convince her, what’s the worst that can happen? We’ll get kicked out? Or is it completely illegal and we could get fined for it? I need urgent help the film is Friday!

Reply 1

RMS23

6

Short answer: it is not illegal, but may still have consequences if you are found

Long answer: it is not inherently illegal for an under 18 to watch an 18 rated film, HOWEVER, there can be sanctions if you are found. Short term, the cinema would be permitted to ask you to leave the cinema (kick you out), and if they deem necessary can put in place sanctions against your mum/you.

Cinemas have to take this very seriously, because if they allow you to do break the age requirement they will be in breach of their licensing laws. If this is found, the cinema can face significant fines. This means they are required to enforce the age restrictions, and might take action against your mum/you to protect their license.

My recommendation: wait till it comes out on DVD/Netflix/etc, and watch it at home. If you feel you could quite easily be caught, it’s not worth the risk.

Reply 2

TNGFR

8

Original post

by RMS23

My recommendation: wait till it comes out on DVD/Netflix/etc, and watch it at home. If you feel you could quite easily be caught, it’s not worth the risk.

It's an old film and already OP's favourite, I'm assuming that the idea here is that they want to see it on the big screen on an anniversary release.

Reply 3

UoL Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Bebwjdjsn

I’m 13 and my favourite film (Se7en) is being shown at cineworld uk. I’m desperate to go but obviously I’m not 18 and I don’t even look 15 yet. I was thinking about trying to convince my mum to take me if we buy a ticket for another film at the same time, then go to the bathroom and go to the different screening where se7en will be playing. If I can convince her, what’s the worst that can happen? We’ll get kicked out? Or is it completely illegal and we could get fined for it? I need urgent help the film is Friday!

Hello,

There are two parts to this question but I must firstly make it clear that this response does not amount to legal advice and if you need legal advice you must go to a qualified lawyer.

Firstly, buying a ticket for one movie and going to see another is likely going to be unlawful under the civil law. This is because it could be argued to be a breach of contract, especially seeing as it would be intentional rather than a mistake. This could mean the cinema could tell you to leave and in theory when you have a breach of contract you can be sued.

On the second part of your question, I am unsure whether there are particular laws in place to stop you watching an 18 rated movie. However, these ratings are there for a reason and so I would really urge you to either wait until you are 18 to watch it or get your mum to buy it and watch it at home when it comes out.

I hope this helps, if you have any further questions please do let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student

Reply 4

Genesiss

20

how were the pictures, my dude? did you secure the right of passage, or did usher call the popo on you for obtaining services dishonestly?

hope the night doesn't give you nightmares

Is it illegal to walk into a different film in the cinema?

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