MORE than 1,000 businesses in York are facing a crackdown on unlicensed television use.

The campaign by TV Licensing, which began last week, will target the Business Blacklist - those industry sectors which extensive research has shown to be most likely to break the law by not being properly licensed.

Culprits found over the next few weeks risk prosecution, a trip to court and a fine of up to £1,000 if they need a television licence but do not have one.

Blacklisted sectors include retail, restaurants, construction, computing, motor garages, cargo handling and travel agencies, book and music publishers, food and drink manufacturers, estate agents and banking and finance.

Deborah Copeland, TV Licensing spokeswoman in the North said: "More companies than ever before in York have a television at work, but our research shows that many businesses may not be properly licensed.

"Often this is because people at work think someone else is responsible for buying the licence, but in the end no one does. With the prospect of a trip to court and a £1,000 fine this could be an expensive and embarrassing mistake to make."

TV Licensing has a database of more than 28 million addresses which identifies any business or domestic address that is unlicensed.

Updated: 10:07 Tuesday, October 28, 2003