Hot water with no TV licence

TV Licensing is reminding community groups and charities in West Lothian to check they are correctly licensed to watch live coverage of the Olympics and cheer on Livingston swimming star Craig Benson.

With more than 3000 hours of live sporting action from Rio this summer, BBC One’s coverage kicks off featuring the opening ceremony on August 5. Each day there will be live action from 1pm to 4am until the closing ceremony on August 21. TV Licensing has produced a guide which answers common questions asked by groups and includes information about holding one-off live viewing events and refunds.

Community groups can view or download the “Guide for Community Groups”on the TV Licensing website at www.tvlicensing. co.uk/check-if-you-needone/business-andorganisations/ clubs-and-communitygroups-aud10

Fergus Reid, spokesperson for TV Licensing Scotland said: “Community groups will need to buy a TV Licence if they plan to watch the coverage live but can claim a refund for any unused quarters if they only need a licence for this one-off sporting event. We would always rather people pay for their TV Licence than risk an embarrassing prosecution and fine of up to £1000.”

If a space at a local community centre is rented out to a group, then it is the responsibility of the centre owner or manager, who gives permission for the group to watch a TV on the site, to make sure the centre is correctly licensed. If the property is owned or managed by a community group, then responsibility lies with the group to make sure they are watching legally.

TV Licensing enquiry officers will be visiting unlicensed clubs, sports halls and community centres throughout the summer. Any group found watching TV illegally risks a court prosecution.