With 2017 set to be another busy year for the local tourism industry, TV Licensing is appealing to hotels and guest houses in Cornwall to ensure 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 it’s broadcast. All viewers who use the iPlayer to watch any BBC programmes must also now be covered by a TV licence after new rules came into force in September.
There are around 73 holiday accommodation providers in the Falmouth area. For many smaller hotels and guesthouses, 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.
Peter Ducker, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: "In-room entertainment is a vital part of the customer experience and any offering that is below-par can lead to unfavourable user reviews. Having a valid TV licence is obviously a necessity too. Making sure your business is fully compliant with the law is a mark of your professionalism."
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