Do not be caught out by television licensing laws

TV Licensing is appealing to hotels and guesthouses to make the sure they are correctly licensed.

Budget hotels, boutique B&Bs, luxury spa resorts or serviced apartments must all be covered by a valid TV licence if guests or staff are watching TV as its broadcast.

Victoria Sykes, TV Licensing spokeswoman for the south east, said: “The Valentine’s weekend is always the first big weekend in the hospitality calendar. While some hotels will be open all year round, some smaller guest houses will be starting their season with one of the most romantic weekends of the year.

“So while front-of-house staff are ordering extra candles and dozens of red roses, it’s a great time for hotel managers to get organised for the year and make sure they are correctly licensed.”

For many smaller establishments, the cost of a TV Licence is £145.50 a year, the same amount as a private house. Hotels with more than 15 rooms are covered by one licence for the first 15 units, but will need an additional licence for every five thereafter.