The fact that the Video Recordings Act of 1984 isn't actually an
enforceable law will either lead to chaos or to the reasonable conclusion that we don't really need to legally enforce censorship in the first place.
The government, for its part, has stated that it will take at least three months to get another, similar act passed and ratified.
Two big UK retailers have come out officially to say that they will abide by a law that technically does not exist.
Speaking to
MCV, both HMV and the Game Group have both committed to standing by current age restrictions. Terry Scicluna, COO for GAME Group UK and Ireland said, “Age ratings are very important because they help us give customers clear advice about the wide range of games that we sell.
"Today’s development doesn’t change our approach, and we’ll continue to enforce age ratings in all of our stores."
For its part, HMV let an anonymous spokesman take its corporate line, which is frankly almost empty of real meaning: "We are committed to responsible selling, and will continue to merchandise games in line with trading standards and Industry best practise."
A few independent retailers have pointed out that they will also toe the now non-existent line. There have been a few notable exceptions such as one poster to the
MCV board who states, "I own three independent stores, and I've let my staff know that they don't have to check age ratings for the time being. I imagine we've sold a few copies to underaged kids. But you won't get seven year-old's after
GTA."
What you do think?