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Avoid a World Cup penalty

Jun 11 2010

Don't score a fine, says TV Licensing

Small businesses could get stung by fines of up to £1,000 if employees watch the World Cup online without a licence.

Half of SMEs will be letting staff watch key matches, but 32 per cent of business owners are unaware that they need a TV licence to watch the games online, finds a survey from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Mike Cherry, policy chairman at the FSB, says: ‘The World Cup is kicking off and it is vital that everyone – both staff and employers – gets the chance to relax and watch the games without disturbing the running of the business. However, these figures show that a worrying number are not aware they need a TV licence to watch the matches online, and could risk being fined.’

Ian Fannon, TV Licensing spokesperson, says: ‘Some managers might assume if they don't have a TV in the building, they don't need to worry, but the rise of online TV means many more businesses need to be covered by a TV licence nowadays.’

A recent poll from TV Licensing found that 44 per cent of mangers are unaware that they needed a licence to watch the match online.

Of the 1,300 FSB members surveyed, 51 per cent of small businesses say they will let their staff watch key matches in the World Cup tournament as long as it does not affect the running of their business.

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