Hairdressers with TVs need to get a licence

Salon managers who try to cut corners when styling hair by not buying a TV Licence risk a 'brush' with their local magistrate, which is why TV Licensing is urging managers in Wigan ensure their businesses are correctly licensed.

Many salons are now providing customers with individual wall-mounted screens in front of each chair. Some are even offering tablets to customers so they can access on-demand TV services, as well as demonstrating new potential looks and styles.

But salons need a licence if they provide a TV or tablet for customers or staff to watch live TV programmes or BBC programmes on iPlayer. If they don’t have one 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 thousands were visited by licensing officers.

Matthew Thompson, TV Licensing spokesman, said: “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.”