Any premises to be used for the public performance of plays and showing of films must be granted a licence by The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board.

• The applicant must be 18 years or older.
• Approval must be obtained from The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board.  

1. Complete the form, “Application for Occasional Theatre/Cinema Licence”.
2. If the application is for a play, 14 days from the date of the performance of the play, at least five copies of the script must be submitted to The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board.
3. Submit the completed application form along with the documents and fee to the:

          Permanent Secretary
          Ministry of National Security,
          Bahamas Films and Plays Board
          P.O. Box N-3217
          Nassau, New Providence
          The Bahamas
          
          or by hand to:

          Permanent Secretary
          Ministry of National Security
          3rd Floor, Churchill Building
          Rawson Square  
          Nassau, New Providence
          The Bahamas

4. The board will examine the synopsis of the play or film to ascertain whether it may be approved.     If the Board approves the play or film it will be classified and rated as follows:

A - Suitable for all ages
B - Suitable for adults, persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.  
T - Suitable for persons above the age of fifteen
C- Suitable for adults only, persons under 18 years are not admitted whether accompanied by an adult or not.
D - Unsuitable for public viewing.

5. The Board may request that the play or film be performed for viewing before the final rating is given.  
6. The Board approves or refuses to approve the play or film suitable for exhibition or public performance.
7. The applicant is advised of the decision in writing one to two days after the meeting of the Board.

Note:
Prior to the showing of any film, a statement should be exhibited on the screen certifying that the film has received the approval of The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board.  

Family Island Applicants can submit their applications through their Administrator’s Office or send via mail. They must ensure that all relevant documents and fees are enclosed.

This service can be accessed at the following location:

Ministry of National Security
3rd Floor Churchill Building,
Rawson Square
East and Bay Streets
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 356-6801/2/, 4400/1/2, or 6792/3
Fax.(242) 356-6087
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Application for Occasional Theatre/Cinema Licence Form

The following documents are required when applying for the service:

• Completed application form
• Fees
• Minimum of five copies of the script of the play

Theatre/Cinema Licence Fee Structure:

• 1 up to 99 persons : BS$     50.00
• 100 – 199 persons : BS$   200.00
• 200 – 299 persons : BS$   400.00
• 300 – 399 persons : BS$   600.00
• 400 – 499 persons : BS$   800.00
• 500 persons or more including open air Cinemas : BS$1,000.00

One or more public performances/exhibition not exceeding three, and  not of educational character, charitable or other like purposes. BS$20.00

Note: 

• All payment by cheque must be certified and made payable to the Public Treasury or the Ministry of National Security.
• Other forms of acceptable payment are cash or money order.   
• Cash payment should be made to the Public Treasury and receipt submitted to the ministry along with the application form.

Ministry of National Security
3rd Floor Churchill Building
Rawson Square
East and Bay Streets
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 356-6801/2/, 4400/1/2, or 6792/3
Fax.(242) 356-6087
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Statute Law of The Bahamas: Theatres and Cinemas Act – Chapter 384