Dog Inn boss in TV licence dodge

A CHADDERTON pub owner caught without a TV licence was ordered to pay £860 at Wigan Magistrates’ Court.

Andrew Yates, who owns The Dog Inn, Block Lane, was fined £600 for using a TV without a licence on business premises with £200 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Matt Thompson, TV Licensing spokesman for the north, said: “We appreciate these are tough times for businesses but to be fair to the majority who do pay the licence fee, we have to take action against those who watch TV illegally.”

“Our survey shows, those businesses who do try to get away with it might find the price of being caught to be higher than just a fine.

“We’d rather businesses think ahead and check if they need a licence than risk being prosecuted.”

Businesses found guilty are also required to buy a TV Licence at £145.50 or they could face a potential second prosecution.