A STUDLEY pub landlord caught without a TV licence has been ordered to pay £530 by magistrates.
Mr Paul Sollis, landlord of the Bell Inn, on Alcester Road, Studley, was fined £300 for the offence of using a TV without a licence on business premises. He was also ordered to pay £200 costs and a £30 victim surcharge at the hearing in his absence on August 10 at Nuneaton Magistrates’ Court.
Any business that shows television programmes as they’re being shown on TV, whether for customers’ use or in staff areas, must be covered by a valid TV Licence. If there is living accommodation on the premises where a TV is also in use, this must be covered by a separate licence.
Businesses found guilty are also required to buy a TV Licence at £145.50, or they could face a potential second prosecution.
Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesperson for the Midlands, said: “We appreciate these are tough times for businesses, but to be fair to the majority who do pay the licence fee, we have to take action against those who watch TV illegally. Those businesses who do try to get away with it might find the price of being caught to be higher than just a fine.”
