TV in a tent needs a licence

With over 18 campsites within 20 miles of Portrush TV Licensing is advising campers and caravanners that they need to be correctly licensed if they are watching live TV from their tent, caravan or mobile home.

With many camp sites across the north coast now offering Wi-Fi access, campers and caravanners are able to keep up-to-date with their favourite live programmes using hand-held devices, such as tablets and smartphones, as well as laptops.

Deborah King, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said: “With ownership of tablets and smartphones on the rise and Wi-Fi coverage across campsites becoming the norm, live TV is now accessible to even the lightest-packed camper. So with many people putting up tents for the first time this summer, it’s important campers and caravanners know the law and are correctly licensed. If they are found watching TV without a licence then they would be at risk of prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”

Anyone camping in a tent or touring caravan and who is watching live TV on any device will be covered if they have a TV Licence for their residential home.

However, static caravans, mobile homes and moveable chalets will only be covered by a residential home licence if the TV in the main residence is not being used at the same time as the TV in static caravan, mobile home or moveable chalet. In this instance, TV Licensing requests campers complete and submit a declaration form. The form allows the TV Licence holder to state the TV in their main residence will not be used at the same time as the device they use when camping.

With good weather forecast for the rest of July campsites are in for a busy summer.