Eastbourne barber fined for having TV in shop without a licence

The owner of an Eastbourne barber shop has been handed a £395 fine after he was caught without a TV licence in his shop.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Mar 2016, 13:35 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2016, 08:47 BST

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Saleh Ahmid, owner of S Barber in Pevensey Road, was ordered to pay the fine after a hearing in his absence at Hastings Magistrates Court on Monday, March 21.

Ahmid was fined £175 for the offence of using a TV without a licence on the business premises as well as £200 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

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Responding to the court’s decision Ben Craig, TV Licensing spokesperson for the South East, 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.

“We’d rather businesses think ahead and check if they need a licence than risk being prosecuted. A licence costs £145.50 and can be bought in minutes online.”

Any business showing television programmes as they’re being shown on TV, or live on an online TV service, whether for customers’ use or in staff areas, must be covered by a valid TV Licence.

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If there is home on the premises where a TV is also in use, this must be covered by a separate licence.

Those without a valid licence run the risk of a court prosecution and fine of up to £1,000 per offence, plus costs.

Businesses found guilty are also required to buy a TV Licence at £145.50, or they could face a potential second prosecution.

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Related topics:TV licence