No permissions required for clubs to show live sports
All clubs and businesses should know that a TV licence is required to legally broadcast television shows. However, no other permission is necessary to show sports on your premises provided you have a valid commercial subscription for any channels such as Sky Sports which you might use to show any matches.
Many of our clients, both sports clubs and social clubs, have reported receiving phone calls from a television licensing body who claim the need for a license to show sports on TV. These companies are wrong – Clubs do not need any specific permission to show live sports.
Glen Hutchinson, licensee of the Spinners Arms in Chorley, said to newspapers outlets that he was contacted by MPLC. MPLC are the Motion Picture Licensing Company whose agents are making calls wrongfully claiming that businesses need an MLPC blanket license. Glen said : “I was specifically told [by MPLC] over the phone that even with a TV license, I still needed the MPLC license to show the Euros in a pub bar or restaurant.” Other operators have reported on social media receiving similar calls.
Why are the MPLC contacting clubs?
After some investigation, MPLC did comment, confirming that their licence is required when a pub or club is showing copyright protected films or television shows. However live sports and live news, and live TV programmes, do not form part of this license and therefore are exempt.
In reality, clubs which only show channels such as Sky Sports, BT Sports, Sky News, sports shown on Freeview channels such as BBC One or Channel 4 or a music channel are unlikely to be required to obtain an MPLC licence.
The Euros and other tournaments such as the World Cup are vital to the profits of bars with social clubs and sports clubs. It’s disappointing to think that this scaremongering may have caused club operators to reconsider displaying the live support for patrons.
It’s clear the reason MPLC agents are contacting clubs is to take advantage of the complicated lesser-known laws around Television and live broadcasting. Club operators are being targeted for their potential vulnerabilities, falling into the trap of unnecessary additional license fees.
How clubs can ensure they do not breach any licensing conditions?
Clubs should have a procedure in place to ensure that once a live sporting broadcast ends, the television is stopped or switched over. This will help prevent any accidental viewings of films.
It’s a shame that clubs are being targeted by this misinformation, considering how financially tight a club’s budget can run – and the fact that most clubs are run by volunteers who aren’t likely to have detailed knowledge. It’s why Club Insure are here to provide essential guidance.
There is a very low likelihood that clubs would be penalised by the MPLC or licensing committees. Nevertheless, clubs managers should assess all the activities performed on their premises and understand any attached licensing conditions. Each activity requiring a license will have specific licensing objectives that will need to be followed and controlled.
If you are planning to expand operations or begin new activities at your club, make sure to contact Club Insure. Our experts will advise on any insurance risks and licensing issues to expect.
