Pub company which ran Smokers Arms in Grimsby fined for not having TV licence

A COMPANY which used to run the Smokers Arms pub in Grimsby has been made to pay £860 for not having a TV licence.

The Smokers Arms Ltd was fined £600 for the offence of using a TV without a licence on the business premises, and was also ordered to pay £200 costs and a £60 victims' surcharge.

The pub in Albion Street was visited by TV licensing officers in January and the case was heard at Grimsby Magistrates' Court this week.

The company, which no longer runs the pub, is registered to an address in Caspian Crescent, Scartho Top.

The Telegraph was unable to contact Smokers Arms Ltd for comment.

Current licensee Karen Drury, who took over on July 4, assured customers that the venue was now fully licensed to show television programmes.

Karen, who was previously licensee between September 2012 and July last year, added: "I used to pay for my licence every three months and I can assure my customers that we are fully licensed as we were previously."

Any business that shows television programmes as they're being shown on TV, 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.

According to research, long-term business reputation is more important than any gains made by cutting corners, particularly when it comes to keeping on the right side of the law.

Matt 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.

"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/business"

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 33,000 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.

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