FPB warning on TV licences

The Forum of Private Business is reminding small businesses that allow employees to watch TV on their premises that they need a TV licence to comply with the law.

It is also illegal for companies to view or record programmes on work computers without a licence, although they may play DVDs, videos or security footage.

"Many will not realise that the rules apply to watching television on the internet as well as TV sets," said spokesperson Phil McCabe. "There should be no doubt over the legal requirements for TV licensing. If you plan to allow your staff to watch television at work, then you must have a licence, or risk a fine of £1,000."

In most cases, one licence will cover a single site although there are exceptions for hotels, mobile units and entertainment venues, as well as businesses that sublet part of their premises.

The cost of a TV licence increased from April by £4, to £139.50. A black and white licence costs £47.