Screening TV and films
Do you need a licence to show live sport?
Yes, you need a TV Licence to watch any TV channels live (broadcast or online), even if these are from outside the UK. This applies no matter what device you're using.
Do I need a licence to show TV in public?
You need a 'non-theatrical' film licence to show films and TV programmes in public (but not in a cinema), for example: at one-off events. at film clubs - whether or not you sell tickets. in common areas for guests, residents and passengers.
Do I need a licence to show football?
You need to be covered by a TV Licence to: watch or record programmes as they're being shown on TV, on any channel. watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.) download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer.
Do I need a TV Licence to watch live streams?
Yes, you need a TV Licence to watch TV live online. You need a licence to watch or record any TV programme live, on any channel or TV service. It doesn't matter if you receive it over the internet, from a cable or satellite provider or through an aerial.
37 related questions foundCan you refuse to pay TV license?
You have the right to refuse entry, but TV Licensing may then use other methods such as a warrant from court, or detection equipment, which can find if there is TV-receiving equipment in your home.
Can I cancel my TV Licence if I only watch Netflix?
If you only watch on demand programmes on Netflix and don't watch TV live on any TV or streaming service, and don't watch BBC iPlayer, you may cancel your TV Licence if you won't need it again before it expires. Or let us know you don't need a TV Licence.
Who needs a MPLC license?
If you show films or TV programmes, including channels such as ITV or BBC1, you need an MPLC licence. If you use images in your marketing, you must have permission to use them from the copyright owner.
Can I show TV in a pub?
Any pub or bar which shows live television 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.
Can I show BBC in my pub?
Any pub which shows live television, or BBC programmes on iPlayer, must have a valid TV Licence. Pubs without a valid licence are breaking the law and run the risk of a court prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 per offence plus costs.
Can I show a movie in public for free?
You certainly are free to watch the movie yourself, but, beyond that, your rights are very limited by law. In particular, you do not have the right to show the movie to "the public." In most cases, doing that requires a separate "public performance" license from the copyright owner.
Do you need a licence to play movies?
Any screening of a film to a group of people requires licensing, whether they are a paying audience or not. It's a popular misconception that it is perfectly legal to screen films to a non-paying audience, but this is simply not the case. There are clear legal channels for screening any film outside the home.
Do schools need a MPLC licence?
The MPLC Umbrella Licence® for Schools is an annual licence that entitles schools to screen unlimited films and TV shows for entertainment purposes such as pre & after school clubs, end of term treats, film clubs and wet weather alternatives.
What can I watch on TV without a licence?
Without a licence, you can legally watch:
- Netflix.
- YouTube.
- Amazon Prime.
- DVDs/Blurays.
- Non-BBC catch-up including ITV Player, Channel 4 on-demand, as long as it's NOT live.
How much is a UK TV license?
A standard colour TV Licence costs £159. A black and white licence costs £53.50. If you are blind (severely sight impaired), you can apply for a 50% concession, so your licence will cost £79.50.
Do I need an MPLC licence in a pub?
A venue will need a MPLC licence if it shows a film or TV drama, whether live or recorded and irrespective of whether the sound is on. For example, if a Star Wars or Doctor Who-themed night has footage running silently in the background, it would still need a MPLC licence.
How much is a pub TV Licence?
If any landlords or pub and bar managers would like more information about the licensing requirements, or ways to spread the cost, they can contact our call centre on 0300 790 6112 or visit A licence costs £150.50 and can be purchased in minutes online.
How much is an MPLC licence?
A. The licence fee starts at £100.20 + vat for areas up to 500 square metres. This is based on the total area in square metres of all communal rooms/areas where televisions/screens are installed/situated. This will include bars, restaurants, gyms, receptions and lounge areas.
How many tvs can you have on a TV Licence?
A business television licence is compulsory for every TV set used in business or commercial activities, or on premises occupied for business purposes. Should you have three television sets on your business premises each set needs to be licensed. Compliance with the law costs only R265 annually per television set.
What is an umbrella licence?
An MPLC Umbrella Licence® gives legal access to public exhibition of content from more than 900 rightsholders: Annual fee - Based on type and size of location or business. Reporting - No reporting of titles, dates or times of performance. Access - Any legal media intended for personal private use.
How do I avoid paying for PRS UK?
It's music you can play in your business without buying a license. You can do this because the artists, musicians and composers are not registered with PRS and PPL. This means that PRS and PPL do not need to collect royalty payments for them.
Do hotels need MPLC licence?
If TV programmes and films from our studio partners, whether broadcast on television (terrestrial, Freeview or satellite services), DVD/Blu-ray or viewed from the internet are shown in hotel bedrooms, bars, restaurants or other similar areas, an MPLC licence will be required.
Do TV license inspectors visit?
Can TV licence inspectors visit your house? Inspectors can visit your house, although you're likely to receive a letter before this point. You can refuse to let an inspector in, but this might lead to them getting a court order – which means they would be allowed to enter by law without your permission.
Can TV Licensing enter your home?
TV Licensing can only enter your home without your permission if authorised to do so under a search warrant granted by a magistrate (or sheriff in Scotland). TV Licensing may also apply to a magistrate (or sheriff in Scotland) for a search warrant.
How can TV Licensing prove you are watching TV 2020?
There has never been a case in court where the TV license officer has produce evidence from any mythical detection device to prove you had a TV. The only way is for the license officer to photograph your property with some thing distinctive identifying your house and showing a TV on in your lounge.
