Jail for no TV licence? It just ain't so
In a letter published in the News Letter on November 3, 2018, Peter McEvoy, Banbridge, writes: 'All citizens of Northern Ireland are forced by law under threat of imprisonment to purchase of a TV licence if they own a TV regardless if they watch BBC or not.'
This is inaccurate.
Non-payment of the TV Licence fee can never result in imprisonment.
The maximum penalty for watching TV illegally is a fine of up to £1,000 (plus court costs and a victim surcharge).
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdA custodial sentence may only be imposed by the courts for non-payment of fines.
To find out more about when a TV licence is needed, your readers can visit tvlicensing.co.uk/info
Jason Hill, TV Licensing