US film ratings body to include smoking warnings

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) announced Thursday it is to consider smoking -- alongside sex, violence and adult language -- when it is deciding what ratings to give films.

The movie industry body said in a statement films which glamorized or showed pervasive smoking outside of a mitigating context could receive a higher rating.

MPAA chairman Dan Glickman however ruled out giving all films containing scenes with smoking an 'R' or restricted rating, which forbids people under 17 from viewing the film unless accompanied by an adult.

Glickman said the MPAA's move came in response to the increasing societal stigma attached to smoking, and the desire to provide an additional educational tool for parents.

"The rating...