COMMUNITY and charity groups in Bromsgrove are being warned to make sure they have the right TV licence this summer if they plan on showing the Rio Olympics.

The advice has gone out to community groups, sporting and social clubs which might be hosting viewing events or parties for some of the 3,000 hours of live sporting action from Brazil across Bromsgrove to make sure they’re properly covered by their licence. Spaces at a local community centre, which are being rented out to a group will be the responsibility of the centre owner or manager, who gives their permission for the group to watch a TV on the site, to make sure the centre is correctly licensed.

Mark Whitehouse, spokesman for TV Licensing in the West Midlands, said: “Community groups will need to buy a TV licence if they plan to watch the coverage live but can claim a refund for any unused quarters if they only need a licence for this one-off sporting event.

“Social and community group managers have been prosecuted in magistrates’ courts in the past year. We would always rather people pay for their TV licence than risk an embarrassing prosecution and fine of up to £1,000.”

Community groups can view or download the ‘Guide for Community Groups’ at tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/ by following the links to clubs and community groups.