With the Olympics opening ceremony drawing nearer, the UK is reaching fever pitch. We are getting new channels, new apps, live streaming, HD content, huge public screens across the country to show major events and very understanding bosses who will be showing coverage during working hours. This however may pose a problem for many business owners.

The TV Licensing company has started a campaign to remind business owners that a TV licence is needed if they will intend to show coverage on televisions at work. However with the digital advancements we have seen in the last few years, the laws surrounding TV licences has changed. Businesses will also need a TV licence if they allow their employees to watch their laptops and smartphones whilst plugged into the mains!

Understandably many businesses do not understand the requirements, know if they need one or are blissfully unaware that they may not be complying with the law. The TV Licensing company have produced a guide to help businesses work out if they need one and which type they may need to buy. Some companies will not need a licence if the employees are watching catch up TV; some may need one licence and others may require more. This all depends on the business and how it works. The guide can be viewed here and it details the most popular businesses and how many licences they may need. The website says:

As the owner, director or manager, you’ll need to ensure your premises is correctly licensed. If anyone watches or records television programmes as they’re being shown on TV, using a device that you have provided, your premises must be covered by a TV Licence.* This includes the use of devices such as a TV set, computer, laptop, mobile phone or DVD/VHS recorder.

Nearly 3000 people were caught without a valid TV licence in 2010 and 2011. The TV Licensing company will be hoping to avoid more this summer.

what if I implied right of access for my business premises?

if they cant come in they will never know

They don't have right of access by default