Showing of Broadcast TV Programmes and Film in Public
18 October 2017
Following recent changes to Section 72 of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988, the showing of broadcast television programmes and film in public now requires a licence.
Previously there has been exemption for showing films via free-to-air services– e.g., if you have a TV in a lounge or bar that plays films on channels such as BBC or ITV. However, there has been a requirement on the UK Government to remove that exemption to bring UK copyright law into line with European copyright law.
As a result, if films or TV programmes – whether broadcast on television or on home entertainment (i.e. DVD/Blu-Ray) or viewed from the Internet are shown in hotels, bars, restaurants, pubs, shops, clubs or other similar premises, a licence will now be required.
There are a number of main organisations who issue these licenses, including the Motion Picture Licensing Company.