B&Bs and guesthouses urged to check TV licences are valid
TV Licensing is urging bed & breakfast and guesthouse proprietors to check they are correctly licensed if televisions are provided for guests or used on site.
However, the good news for owners of properties with 15 rooms or less on one site is that only a single licence is required, meaning the vast majority will need to pay just £145.50 to ensure they are covered.
The reminder comes ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend when occupancy is expected to peak.
For guesthouses and B&Bs with more than 15 accommodation units, there is an additional fee for every five additional units.
David Weston, chief executive of the Bed and Breakfast Association, said: "Making sure you have a valid current TV Licence is important, especially during busy periods like summer when keeping on top of admin can be more challenging.
"If you are unsure whether you are covered or not you can call TV Licensing's hotel team or check the website to give you peace of mind for the year ahead."
TV Licensing's enquiry officers will be out visiting over the bank holiday weekend and anyone watching TV illegally, including business owners, risks a prosecution and fine of up to £1,000.
Using TV Licensing's database of almost 30 million UK addresses, our officers can identify premises where they suspect people are watching TV illegally. Last year TV Licensing caught more than 1,000 businesses without a valid licence.
A TV Licence for guest accommodation can be purchased in minutes via an online form at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/hotels or by calling TV Licensing on 0300 790 6124.
Keep TV licences up to date or face fines, businesses warned >>
Pubs warned to be strict with TV Licences >>
Hotels must check hold correct TV licence or face fines >>
By Janet Harmer
E-mail your comments to Janet Harmer here.
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
