PUB landlords in Bromsgrove are being reminded ahead of the Rugby Six Nations tournament, that they risk a £1,000 fine if they don’t have a television licence.

Any pub, club or sporting venue showing live television in the area needs to be covered by a TV licence, with a separate licence needed for any living accommodation in the same building where a television is in use.

Pubs without a licence are breaking the law and face a fine of up to £1,000 per offence, plus costs.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesman for the West Midlands, said: “With around 100 pubs in or within about six miles of Bromsgrove, many fans and supporters will choose to watch the matches in their local pub or rugby club, soaking up the atmosphere whilst cheering on their country’s finest 15.

“It’s important pubs and clubs are correctly licensed and we know landlords and managers want to stay within the law, which is why we are issuing this advice ahead of the 2014 RBS Six Nations tournament.”

Martin Caffrey, operations director for the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association, added: “I would like to encourage landlords and licensees as well as bar and club managers to make sure they are up to date with their TV Licensing requirements ahead of what is always a busy time of year for the UK’s pubs and clubs. Showing live sport is a massive draw for millions of pub-goers so I’d urge those in charge of buying the TV Licence to check the bar is correctly licensed while they have the time. From Saturday, February 1, things could get very busy.”

Landlords or managers in search of more information on TV licensing requirements can call the TV licensing businesses team on 0300 790 6131 or visit tvlicensing.co.uk/businesses.