A bar owner has been fined £640 after being caught without a TV licence for his business.

Mr Fatos Doci, owner of Zig Zag, on Forest Road, Walthamstow, was fined £400 for the offence at Thames Magistrates Court, last week, on February 20.

He was also ordered to pay £200 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

Any business that shows television programmes as they're being shown on TV, whether for customers’ use or in staff areas, must be covered by a valid TV Licence.

If there is living accommodation on the premises where a TV is also in use, this must be covered by a separate licence.

Fines for the offence can be up to £1,000 plus costs.

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

Martin Dyan, TV Licensing spokesperson for London and the South East, 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.

“ As 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.”

A colour TV licence costs £145.50. A black and white TV licence costs £49. The licence fee is set by government.

Information for business owners can be found here