BUSINESSES across York have been reminded they must ensure their television licence is in order for 2011.

More than 1,000 businesses were caught watching TV without a licence across the UK during 2010, and TV Licensing has reminded employers in York to make sure they are correctly licensed if staff or customers are planning to watch TV at their work premises over the holiday period.

Businesses risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 if caught watching TV illegally, and recent research conducted for TV Licensing shows it may also cost the business more than the fine itself.

A survey of more than 250 managers at UK businesses showed 98 per cent felt a prosecution for TV License evasion would cause damage to the business’ reputation.

Phil McCabe, spokesman for the Forum of Private Businesses, said: “The majority of businesses want to be correctly licensed and, although it’s been a tough year for many, we would always advise our members to make sure they are on the right side of the law.”

For more information, visit tvlicensing.co.uk/business