New year TV Licensing reminder for gyms

With more than 7,0001 gyms across the UK expecting to welcome new members this month, TV Licensing is reminding fitness clubs owners to check if they are correctly licensed for the year ahead.

Any gym or leisure centre that allows customers, staff or visitors to watch live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC iPlayer whilst they exercise, must be covered by a TV licence.

With the indulgences of December tipping the scales in the wrong direction, New Year’s resolutions will be driving many of us to get fit in 2019. Most gyms offer TV facilities or personalised viewing screens, making it easy for members to switch from sofas to treadmills.

Working out while watching TV can help motivate people viewing their favourite shows while keeping fit.

Claire Hodson, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:

Watching live TV while getting fit can be a great motivator but it’s really important that gyms owners buy a TV licence if they are offering live TV viewing or BBC iPlayer to customers. If they are caught without a licence, it is a criminal offence and could lead to a prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
 

Jamie Sweeney, Regional Fitness Manager at Everyone Active said:

TV and entertainment plays a major part for many people when working out. We’ve found that watching TV will either distract members by taking their mind off their exertions, or motivate them to complete their programme. Having personalised viewing screens on equipment allows our members to choose what they want to view.
 

Any customers watching live TV on their own devices, such as mobile phones, are covered as long as they have a TV Licence at home.

It’s not only gyms that need to ensure they’re correctly licenced. Any business that offers live TV viewing on their premises must be covered by a licence which costs £150.50 and can be purchased at www.tvlicensing.co.uk or by calling 0300 790 6071

References

1. Figures based on the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2018, reference: http://www.leisuredb.com/blog/2018/5/16/2018-state-of-the-uk-fitness-industry-report-out-now

 

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