South Tyneside landlady hit with TV fine

Michelle Stephenson, from The Red Duster, in Whiteleas was fined £330 and ordered to pay £200 costs and a £33 victim surcharge by magistrates.

The case was heard in her absence at Teesside Magistrates Court on October 27.

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

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. As our survey shows, 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 at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/businessinfo.”

TV Licensing is also reminding other businesses to make sure they are aware of their licensing requirements,