Who enforces MPAA rating adherence?

Let's say one opens a new movie theater in New York City that is accessible to the public. Are there any laws in New York state or the US in general that would force the cinema to adhere to MPAA ratings and age-restrict access to certain showings? Or is it all completely voluntary and there are in fact cinemas that don't care about the MPAA?

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Best Answer

It's voluntary.

Here's a little bit of an interview with a representative from the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO):

“The rating system is voluntary, but we strongly encourage theaters to enforce the rating age restrictions as applied to any movie,” a NATO spokesperson told theWrap.

_{MPAA Can’t Enforce Rating as NY Theater Ignores NC-17 for ‘Blue Is the Warmest Color’ - TheWrap}

So, yes it is completely voluntary. In the same article, an example is provided of a theatre that ignored the rating provided by the MPAA.

One major New York theater, the IFC Center, has announced that it will not enforce the NC-17 rating given to “Blue Is the Warmest Color” — and there is nothing the Motion Picture Association of America can do to make them do it.

_{MPAA Can’t Enforce Rating as NY Theater Ignores NC-17 for ‘Blue Is the Warmest Color’ - TheWrap}

So, theatres completely have the right to ignore the MPAA.

Pictures about "Who enforces MPAA rating adherence?"

Is MPAA federal law?

MPAA is a United States non-profit business trade organization and administers the voluntary, but dominant MPAA film rating system. MPAA ratings carry no force of local, state, or federal law anywhere in the United States.

Are movie ratings legally binding?

In 1968 the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) established a system of movie ratings for parents to use as a guide to determine the appropriateness of a film's content for children and teenagers. The ratings system is voluntary, and there is no legal requirement that filmmakers submit their films for rating.

What is the MPAA rating system and how does it work?

Rated G: General audiences \u2013 All ages admitted. Rated PG: Parental guidance suggested \u2013 Some material may not be suitable for children. Rated PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned \u2013 Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Rated R: Restricted \u2013 Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Who puts ratings on movies?

Ratings are determined by the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA), via a board comprised of an independent group of parents. Follow @FilmRatings on Twitter for daily updates on film ratings. Looking for more information on how the film rating system works?

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