Do you need a TV Licence?

Have you ever streamed Games footage live over the internet in the gym?

If so, you need a TV Licence, regardless of whether it was watched on TV, laptop, smartphone, iPad etc….. A ‘live’ service is one that is distributed to everyone at the same time as the event being filmed is happening. If that live service has TV production qualities (as opposed to user generated) then it falls within the definition of television programme service and therefore requires a licence.

Do any of your members watch live TV events such as the World Cup, Ashes, Wimbledon etc while at the gym? Do they plug their equipment in? Would you even know if they did? Usually a personal TV licence covers mobile equipment outside the home as long as it is powered solely by batteries and not plugged in during this time. As soon as it is plugged in, the location it is being used in needs to hold a licence.

In addition, more and more people are not getting a TV licence at home due to watching On Demand services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime instead of live TV, and if these people watch live TV events in your gym in any capacity, especially if you allow staff and members to access your Wi-fi, you could be liable.

If you display your Wi-fi code, have a statement of use displayed alongside to cover these eventualities. Or add a clause to your standard Terms and Conditions when members sign up.

Or get a blanket TV licence for your gym. This is the easiest way to manage any risk. Not having a licence when required carries a £1000 fine.