The Children (Performances) Regulations 1968

EXPLANATORY NOTE

These Regulations make provision with respect to children in England, Wales or Scotland who take part in a performance to which section 37 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 applies. A child means a person who is not over compulsory school age. Section 37 applies to a performance in connection with which a charge is made, a performance in licensed premises, a broadcast performance and a performance recorded (by whatever means) with a view to its use in a broadcast or in a film intended for public exhibition. For most performances a licence granted by the appropriate local authority is required by section 37: but for some a licence is not required.

Part I of the Regulations deals with an application for, and the grant of, a licence and the keeping of records by the licence holder.

Part II of the Regulations deals with restrictions on the grant of a licence. Regulation 6 prohibits the grant of a licence if the child has taken part in performances on more than a specified number of days during the previous year. Regulation 7 restricts the grant of a licence for troupe work, e.g. in a chorus, except as provided in the Regulation. Regulation 8 requires the child to be medically fit.

Part III of the Regulations makes provision for certain restrictions and conditions applying to all licences. They concern the welfare of the child, e.g. education and lodgings.

Parts IV, V and VI of the Regulations limit the number of performances a week, the maximum number and length of performances daily and the length of time that a child can be present at the place of performance. Part IV relates to performances, other than broadcast or recorded performances, for which a licence is required. Part V relates to broadcast and recorded performances for which a licence is required. Part VI relates to performances for which a licence is not required because during the preceding six months the child has not taken part in performances on more than three days (section 37(3) (a) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963).