TV Licensing

Avoid scrum for licences ahead of 6 Nations

Ahead of the RBS 6 Nations tournament, which kicks off on Friday 6 February, TV Licensing is reminding pubs and sports clubs to make sure they are correctly covered by a TV Licence.

Rugby fans from across the UK and Ireland are expected to flock to their local pub or rugby club to catch a piece of the action and cheer on the local heroes who’ve made it on to the squad.

Any pub, club or sporting venue which shows live television must have a valid TV Licence. Pubs without a valid licence are breaking the law and publicans run the risk of a court prosecution and fine of up to £1,000 per offence plus costs.

Claire Wotherspoon, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:

Many fans and supporters will choose to watch the matches in their local rugby club or one of the 48,006 pubs¹ across the UK. It’s important pubs and clubs are correctly licensed and we know landlords and managers want to stay within the law, which is why we are issuing this advice before the tournament.

Brigid Simmonds OBE, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association added:

I would encourage landlords and licensees as well as bar and club managers to check they have a licence for what is always a busy time of year. Live sport is a massive draw for millions of pub-goers so I’d urge those in charge of buying the TV Licence to check the bar is correctly licensed in time for the rush which begins next Friday.

Landlords or managers who would like more information about TV Licensing requirements, or ways to spread the cost, can call the TV Licensing businesses team on 0300 790 6131 or visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/businessinfo.

A TV in the Workplace Policy is also available to help managers and landlords explain TV Licensing rules to staff in the workplace. Download the Policy at http://bit.ly/169Og4N. If there is living accommodation on the premises where a TV is also in use, this must be covered by a separate licence.

¹ British Beer and Pub Association