TV Licensing warns businesses: make sure you're covered for summer of sport

7 July 2009

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With a summer of sporting tournaments well under way, TV Licensing are reminding small businesses that they risk court prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 if staff are watching TV on the premises and the business is not licensed.

A TV licence is legally required to watch any TV programmes as they are broadcast, whether on a computer, TV or any other type of equipment. With many TV channels available online and sports fans keen to watch their heroes in action, businesses are advised they may need a licence even if there is no TV set in the office.

If an employee is caught watching TV illegally, the business may be held liable and fined up to £1,000 whether they are aware that employees are watching or not so it is important that staff are well informed.

Enquiry officers will be out in force during the summer's sports tournaments, visiting domestic and business addresses identified as unlicensed on TV Licensing's database of almost 30 million UK addresses. During this year's 6 Nations rugby championship TV Licensing caught over 55,000 individuals and businesses who were watching without a licence.

Jon Shaw, TV Licensing spokesperson said:

"Gone are the days when sports fans had to take a day off or even a crafty ‘sickie' to watch the cricket. Now they can watch all the action without leaving their desk. This means that it is more important for businesses to make sure that they are correctly licensed.

"TV Licensing would always rather businesses are correctly licensed than risk a court case and a fine, which is why we're making sure that small businesses are aware of the implications if staff are watching online."

To find out more visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/business or call 0844 800 5832.

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TV Licensing warns businesses: make sure you're covered for summer of sport

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