Theatres and Amusements Regulations

made under Section 4 of the

Theatres and Amusements Act

R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 466

O.I.C. 2005-164 (April 22, 2005), N.S. Reg. 90/2005

as amended to O.I.C. 2026-49 (effective February 17, 2026), N.S. Reg. 48/2026

Table of Contents

Please note: this table of contents is provided for convenience of reference and does not form part of the regulations.
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Citation

Definitions

Expiration and transfer of licenses

Films

Prohibition of film

General character of film to be considered

Application of Sections 7 to 12

Submission of film for examination

Film classification scheme

Captions attached to classification

Certificate for classified film

No changes to classified film

Advertising to include classification and captions

Video Games

Video-game outlet to comply with age restrictions

Exemptions from Section 6A of the Act

Theatres

Theatre license required

Classes of theatre licenses

Issue and renewal of theatre licenses

Failure to comply with order of Fire Marshal or fire official

Theatre license displayed at entrance

Theatre license produced to inspector or peace officer

Copy of regulations available to public at theatre

Prohibitions for prohibited or unclassified film

Notice of film classification and age restrictions

Age restrictions for attending films

Theatre owner to ensure age restrictions complied with

No “Restricted” or “Adult” films exhibited at drive-in theatres

Equipment restrictions for drive-in theatres

Film Exchanges

Classes of film exchange licenses

Exemption from Sections 19 and 20 of the Act

Issue and renewal of film exchange licenses

Film exchange license produced to inspector or peace officer

Prohibitions for prohibited or unclassified films

Classification included in list of films

Film exchange age restrictions

Display of material depicting sex or nudity

Schedule A: Fees

Table 1 - Licensing Fees

Table 2 - Examination Fees

Citation

1 These regulations may be cited as the Theatres and Amusements Regulations.

Definitions

2 In these regulations,

(a) “Act” means the Theatres and Amusements Act;

(b) “film exchange” means a film distributor or a film retailer;

(i) for the purposes of public exhibition in a theatre, or

(ii) to a film retailer;

(d) “film retailer” means a person who sells, leases, rents, exchanges or distributes film to the public, and includes a video outlet and a video-game outlet;

(e) “fire official” means a fire official as defined in the Fire Safety Act while acting as authorized under that Act;

(f) “Fire Marshal” means the person appointed as the Fire Marshal under the Fire Safety Act;

(g) [repealed]

(h) [repealed]

(i) “video outlet” means a retail establishment that sells, leases, rents, exchanges or distributes film to the public for consideration for use in a video cassette recorder, video disc player or similar device.

Expiration and transfer of licenses

3 (1) Except as otherwise required by the Act, a license issued or renewed under these regulations expires 3 years from the date that it is issued or renewed.

(2) A license issued or renewed under these regulations is not transferable.

Films

Prohibition of film

4 The following are the criteria for prohibiting a film, performance or amusement under subsection 5(2) of the Act:

(a) it contains a graphic or prolonged scene of violence, torture, crime, cruelty, horror or human degradation;

(b) it contains a scene of physical abuse or humiliation of a human being for the purposes of sexual gratification or as being pleasing to the victim;

(c) it contains a scene of explicit and exploitive sexual activity involving a person who is under 18 years of age or who is intended to represent a person under 18 years of age; or

(d) it contains a scene depicting, in an explicit manner, indignities to a human body or an animal in an explicit manner.

General character of film to be considered

5 (1) In exercising the Minister’s powers under subsection 5(2) of the Act, the Minister must take into account the general character of the film.

(2) When classifying a film, a film classifier must take into account the general character of the film.

Application of Sections 7 to 12

6 Sections 7 to 12 apply only to films other than video games.

Submission of film for examination

7 (1) A film exchange or theatre owner may submit a film, together with the required fee, to the Minister for examination and

(a) a decision on whether the display, exhibition, sale, lease, rental, exchange or distribution of the film is permitted or prohibited; and

(b) classification of the film if the display, exhibition, sale, lease, rental, exchange or distribution of the film is permitted.

(2) The fee for examining a film under subsection (1) is as set out in Schedule A.

(3) The Minister may waive the examination fee required by subsection (2) if a film has been submitted

(a) on behalf of a film society;

(b) for the purposes of a limited performance;

(d) in connection with a charitable, educational, religious, community or cultural event.

Film classification scheme

8 (1) When classifying a film under subsection 5(5) or clause 5(6)(a) of the Act, a film classifier must give the film a classification in accordance with the suitability of the film for a particular age group and the corresponding classification as set out in the following table:

Classification	Abbreviation	Age Group Suitability
General	G	Film is suitable for viewers of all ages.
Parental Guidance	PG	Film is not suitable for all children and parental guidance is therefore advised for younger viewers.
14 Accompaniment	14A	Film is not suitable for all viewers under 14 years of age.
18 Accompaniment	18A	Film is not suitable for all viewers under 18 years of age.
Restricted	R	Film is not suitable for viewers under 18 years of age.
Adult	A	Film is not suitable for viewers under 18 years of age because the sole or primary premise for the film is the depiction of explicit sexual activity, graphic nudity or graphic violence.

(2) The criteria used to assess the suitability of a film for a particular age group include the following:

(a) the degree, frequency and intensity of coarse language in the film, as well as the context in which it is used;

(b) the degree, frequency and intensity of violence in the film;

(d) the degree, frequency and intensity of sexual references, sexually suggestive scenes or scenes of sexual activity in the film;

(e) the degree, frequency and intensity of frightening or horrific scenes in the film;

(f) the maturity level required for the intended psychological or emotional impact of the film.

(3) A film that is classified as “Adult Accompaniment” on the day before these regulations come into force is deemed to be classified as “14 Accompaniment” on the day these regulations come into force.

(4) A film that is classified as “Explicit Material” on the day before these regulations come into force is deemed to be classified as “Adult” on the day these regulations come into force.

Captions attached to classification

9 When classifying a film under subsection 5(5) or clause 5(6)(a) of the Act, a film classifier may attach one or more descriptive captions to the film’s classification.

Certificate for classified film

10 After a film has been classified, the Minister must issue a certificate for the film that specifies the film’s classification and any captions attached to the classification.

No changes to classified film

11 A person must not change a film, either by removing from it or adding to it, after it has been classified except for removing defective parts of a film to ensure the safe operation of the film.

Advertising to include classification and captions

12 When a film is advertised by a theatre owner or film exchange, the theatre owner or film exchange must ensure that the film’s classification and any captions attached to the film’s classification are prominently displayed in the advertisement.

Video Games

Video-game outlet to comply with age restrictions

13 (1) A video-game outlet or employee or agent of a video-game outlet must not sell, lease, rent, exchange, distribute or otherwise make available any video game classified as “Teen” by the Entertainment Software Rating Board to a person who is under 13 years of age.

(2) A video-game outlet or employee or agent of a video-game outlet must not sell, lease, rent, exchange, distribute or otherwise make available any video game classified as “Mature” by the Entertainment Software Rating Board to a person who is under 17 years of age.

(3) A video-game outlet or employee or agent of a video-game outlet must not sell, lease, rent, exchange, distribute or otherwise make available any video game classified as “Adult Only” by the Entertainment Software Rating Board to a person who is under 18 years of age.

Exemptions from Section 6A of the Act

14 Section 6A of the Act does not apply to the following classes of video games:

(a) a video game that is made available solely for use in a place of amusement;

(b) an educational video game.

Theatres

Theatre license required

15 A person must not operate a theatre unless the person holds a valid theatre license for that theatre.

Classes of theatre licenses

16 (1) There are 2 classes of theatre licenses, as follows:

(a) a Class A theatre license, which authorizes the holder to operate a theatre other than a drive-in theatre;

(b) a Class B theatre license, which authorizes the holder to operate a drive-in theatre.

(2) A theatre license held by a person on the day before these regulations come into force is deemed to be a Class A theatre license and remains valid until its expiry date.

(3) A drive-in theatre license held by a person on the day before these regulations come into force is deemed to be a Class B theatre license and remains valid until its expiry date.

Issue and renewal of theatre licenses

17 (1) The Minister may issue or renew a theatre license.

(2) The fee for issuing or renewing a theatre license is as set out in Schedule A.

(3) An application for a theatre license or a renewal of a theatre license must be in the form prescribed by the Minister.

(4) The Minister must not issue a theatre license until the Fire Marshal or a fire official inspects the theatre and determines that the theatre is in compliance with the Fire Safety Act, the Building Code Act and any regulations made under those Acts.

(5) The Minister must not renew a theatre license until the Fire Marshal or a fire official determines that the theatre is in compliance with the Fire Safety Act, the Building Code Act and any regulations made under those Acts.

Failure to comply with order of Fire Marshal or fire official

18 (1) The Minister may suspend or revoke a theatre owner’s theatre license if the Minister is advised by the Fire Marshal or a fire official that the theatre owner has failed to comply with an order of the Fire Marshal or a fire official.

(2) A theatre license that is suspended under subsection (1) remains suspended until the Fire Marshal or a fire official advises the Minister that the theatre owner has complied with the order.

Theatre license displayed at entrance

19 A theatre owner must display their theatre license at the entrance to the theatre.

Theatre license produced to inspector or peace officer

20 A theatre owner must produce their theatre license to an inspector or to a peace officer upon request.

Copy of regulations available to public at theatre

21 A theatre owner must keep a copy of these regulations in the theatre and must make it available to the public upon request.

Prohibitions for prohibited or unclassified film

22 (1) A theatre owner must not exhibit a film that is prohibited by the Minister.

(2) A theatre owner must not exhibit a film unless the film is classified in accordance with these regulations.

Notice of film classification and age restrictions

23 (1) A theatre owner must display a film’s classification and any captions attached to the classification in a place at the theatre where they can be seen by the public before they pay for admission.

(2) A theatre owner must display a sign at the theatre box office, and any other place, where admission tickets are sold, that sets out the age restrictions for each classification of film being shown at that theatre.

(3) A theatre owner must ensure that a website through which admission tickets are sold

(a) displays a film’s classification and any captions attached to the classification where they can be seen by the public before they pay for admission electronically through the website, directly or indirectly; and

(b) sets out the age restrictions for each classification of film being shown at a theatre for which tickets are sold.

(4) A theatre owner must ensure that a purchaser of admission tickets is notified of a film’s classification and any captions attached to the classification before they pay for admission by telephone.

Age restrictions for attending films

24 (1) A person who is under 14 years of age must not attend a film that is classified as “14 Accompaniment” unless the person is accompanied by a person who is 19 years of age or older.

(2) A person who is under 14 years of age must not attend a film that is classified as “18 Accompaniment”.

(3) A person who is between 14 and 17 years of age must not attend a film that is classified as “18 Accompaniment” unless the person is accompanied by a person who is 19 years of age or older.

(4) A person who is under 18 years of age must not attend a film that is classified as “Restricted” or “Adult”.

Theatre owner to ensure age restrictions complied with

25 (1) A theatre owner must not permit a person who is under 14 years of age to attend a film classified as “14 Accompaniment” unless the person is accompanied by a person who is 19 years of age or older.

(2) A theatre owner must not permit a person who is under 14 years of age to attend a film classified as “18 Accompaniment”.

(3) A theatre owner must not permit a person who is between 14 and 17 years of age to attend a film classified as “18 Accompaniment” unless the person is accompanied by a person who is 19 years of age or older.

(4) A theatre owner must not permit a person who is under 18 years of age to attend a film classified as “Restricted” or “Adult”.

No “Restricted” or “Adult” films exhibited at drive-in theatres

26 A theatre owner must not exhibit a film that is classified as “Restricted” or “Adult” in a drive-in theatre.

Equipment restrictions for drive-in theatres

27 A theatre owner must ensure that

(a) a central loudspeaker is not used at a drive-in theatre; and

(b) a screen tower is not placed so that a projection on the screen is visible from a highway.

Film Exchanges

Classes of film exchange licenses

28 There are 2 classes of film exchange licenses, as follows:

(a) [repealed]

(b) a Class B film exchange license, which is issued to a film distributor other than a film distributor dealing only in video games; and

Exemption from Sections 19 and 20 of the Act

28A Sections 19 and 20 of the Act do not apply to a film retailer.

Issue and renewal of film exchange licenses

29 (1) The Minister may issue or renew a film exchange license.

(2) The fee for issuing or renewing a film exchange license is as set out in Schedule A.

(3) An application for a film exchange license or renewal of a film exchange license must be in the form prescribed by the Minister.

Film exchange license produced to inspector or peace officer

30 The holder of a film exchange license must produce their film exchange license to an inspector or to a peace officer upon request.

Prohibitions for prohibited or unclassified films

31 (1) A film exchange must not sell, lease, rent, exchange or distribute a film that is prohibited by the Minister.

(2) A film exchange must not sell, lease, rent, exchange or distribute a film unless the film is classified in accordance with these regulations.

Classification included in list of films

32 A film retailer must indicate the classification of each film and any captions attached to the classification in any list of films that is made available to its customers.

Film exchange age restrictions

33 A film exchange must not sell, lease, rent, exchange or distribute

(a) a film classified as “14 Accompaniment” to a person who is under 14 years of age unless the person is accompanied by a person who is 19 years of age or older;

(b) a film classified as “18 Accompaniment” to a person who is under 14 years of age;

(c) a film classified as “18 Accompaniment” to a person between 14 and 17 years of age unless the person is accompanied by a person who is 19 years of age or older; or

(d) a film classified as “Restricted” or “Adult” to a person who is under 18 years of age.

Display of material depicting sex or nudity

34 A film retailer must ensure that all film containers, printed materials or film advertisements depicting graphic sex or full frontal nudity are

(a) displayed at a height of more than 1.8288 m (72 in.) above the floor;

(b) placed behind a barrier that covers the depiction, except for the title of the film;

(d) displayed in a binder that is not accessed by persons who are under 18 years of age.

Schedule A: Fees

Table 1 - Licensing Fees

Licence	Initial Fee	Renewal Fee
Class A theatre licence	$398.15	$398.15
Class B theatre licence (drive-in theatre)	$199.00	$199.00
Class B film exchange licence (film distributor)	$1393.30	$1393.30
Class C film exchange licence (film distributor dealing only in video games)	$696.50	$696.50

Table 2 - Examination Fees

Film Submitted	Examination Fee
Theatrical release	$3.95/minute
Film for home use not previously examined or classified–Adult films and prohibited films	$3.95/minute
Film for home use not previously examined or classified–other than Adult films and prohibited films	$39.80/film

The current consolidation of the Theatres and Amusements Regulations made under the Theatres and Amusements Act includes all of the following regulations:

The following regulations are not yet in force and are not included in the current consolidation:

N.S. Regulation	In force date*	How in force	Royal Gazette Part II Issue
90/2005	Apr 22, 2005	date specified	May 13, 2005
134/2011	Apr 1, 2011	date specified	Apr 15, 2011
180/2012	Sep 25, 2012	date specified	Oct 5, 2012
161/2013	Apr 1, 2013	date specified	Apr 12, 2013
162/2015	Apr 1, 2015	date specified	Apr 8, 2015
343/2015	Oct 22, 2015	date specified	Nov 13, 2015
259/2016	Dec 13, 2016	date specified	Jan 6, 2017
48/2026	Feb 17, 2026	date specified	Mar 6, 2026

*See subsection 3(6) of the Regulations Act for rules about in force dates of regulations.

ad. = added am. = amended	fc. = fee change ra. = reassigned	rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted
2(g), defn. of “race track”................	rep. 48/2026
2(h), defn. of “track operator”..........	rep. 48/2026
4........................................................	am. 180/2012
5........................................................	rs. 180/2012
8(1)...................................................	am. 180/2012
9–10..................................................	am. 180/2012
20......................................................	am. 180/2012
22(2).................................................	am. 180/2012
28......................................................	am. 259/2016
28(a) ............................................	rep. 259/2016
28A...................................................	ad. 259/2016
30......................................................	am. 180/2012
31(2).................................................	am. 180/2012
35......................................................	rep. 180/2012
36–40................................................	rep. 343/2015
41......................................................	am. 180/2012 rep. 343/2015
42......................................................	rep. 343/2015
43......................................................	rep. 48/2026
Schedule A.......................................	fc. 134/2011, 161/2013, 162/2015
Sch A, Table 1–Licensing Fees..	am. 343/2015, 259/2016

N.S. Regulation	Title	In force date	Repealed date

18/1956	Regulations respecting theatres and amusements	Feb 2, 1956	Apr 22, 2005
27/1984	Regulations respecting film exchanges	Jun 1, 1984	Apr 22, 2005

Note: Only regulations that are specifically repealed and replaced appear in this table. It may not reflect the entire history of regulations on this subject matter.

Theatres and Amusements Regulations	N.S. Reg. 90/2005
Theatres and Amusements Act
Note: The information in these tables does not form part of the regulations and is compiled by the Office of the Registrar of Regulations for reference only.

	Note	Effective date