An Ellesmere Port pub has been caught without a TV licence.

The company which runs the pub has now been ordered to pay £1,300 by magistrates.

Trio Leisure Ltd, trading as The Sutton on Gleneagles Road, Great Sutton, was fined the maximum of £1,000 for the offence of using a TV without a licence on the business premises.

The business was also ordered to pay £200 costs and a £100 victim surcharge at the hearing in its absence on Wednesday, April 13 at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court.

Running the risk

TV Licensing says any business that shows 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.

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

Those without a valid licence are breaking the law and 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.

Times are tough

Matthew Thompson, TV Licensing spokesperson for the north, 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.

“We’d rather businesses think ahead and check if they need a licence than risk being prosecuted.”

TV Licensing is also reminding other businesses to make sure they are aware of their licensing requirements to avoid the risk of prosecution and a large fine.

Last year, TV Licensing enquiry officers visited more than 30,000 businesses across the UK ranging from takeaway restaurants and holiday parks to garages, hair salons and sports clubs to confirm if they were correctly licensed.