TV licensing issues warning to hairdressers

Businesses need a TV Licence if staff or customers are watching live TV on the premises

Hairdressing salons without a TV licence could be risking having a ‘brush’ with their local magistrate, which is why TV Licensing is urging salon owners in Rochdale ensure their businesses are correctly licensed.

With businesses keen to keep their clients happy and entertained whilst having their hair cut and styled, many salons are providing customers with individual wall-mounted screens in front of each chair. Some forward-thinking salons are even offering tablets to customers so they can access on-demand TV services, as well as demonstrating new potential looks and styles.

Salons need a TV licence if they provide a TV or tablet for customers or staff to watch live TV programmes or BBC programmes on iPlayer. If the salon does not have a licence then the business risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

In 2016, 10 salons across the UK were prosecuted for licence fee evasion, and in the last financial year, TV Licensing enquiry officers visited more than 36,000 unlicensed businesses, including hair salons and barbers shops.

Matthew Thompson, TV Licensing spokesperson said: “With many salons mounting small TV screens by each chair or providing handheld tablets so customers don’t miss a minute of their best-loved TV shows, hairdressers are making sure TV is more accessible than ever before. But it’s important salon owners and managers take a few moments to review and update their licensing requirements.

“Cutting corners, rather than hair, could land the owner in court and facing a fine of up to £1,000. A TV licence is just a ‘snip’ at £145.50, and there are many ways for businesses to pay – including BACS electronic transfer, Direct Debit or cheque." 

Hilary Hall, CEO of the National Hairdressers’ Federation, added: “Reading a magazine in the chair is still very popular, but some clients enjoy watching TV while they’re having their hair cut or styled. If someone is having a treatment they can be in the chair or under the dryer for a couple of hours, time the customer could spend with Sherlock, Strictly Come Dancing or Planet Earth II. The National Hairdressers’ Federation regularly reminds salons that if anyone will be watching TV in the workplace they need to have a TV licence.”