TV still matters in hotels – and so does legal compliance

In the age of streaming, mobile devices, and personalised content, traditional television might be considered obsolete. Yet the in-room TV remains a powerful and expected amenity in hotels, aparthotels, serviced apartments, B&Bs, and similar establishments.

Guests still expect to be able to watch TV in their rooms — and not just as a screen for casting or streaming. From business travellers to families, live TV offers a convenient, familiar, and frictionless source of relaxation and entertainment. There are no passwords to enter, no accounts to sync — just instant access to programming. Television is part of what makes a room feel complete and contributes to a more enjoyable guest experience. Particularly in the UK, TV remains highly valued for its quality and variety by both domestic and international visitors.

However, along with the benefits of offering television come important legal responsibilities — and many operators remain unaware of them. Businesses often mistakenly assume that a standard UK TV licence or a pay-TV subscription covers all legal requirements.

Under UK copyright law, offering television in hotels and other short-stay accommodation settings is considered a “communication to the public” and therefore requires specific licensing. Providing access to protected content without the necessary authorisations in these settings constitutes copyright infringement and may lead to legal action.

The AVLA Licence is legally required for hotels, aparthotels, B&Bs, and similar establishments to offer guests access to television channels that feature content from AVLA’s extensive repertoire — including films, series, documentaries, cartoons, and more. Titles from AVLA’s repertoire are regularly broadcast on the main national free-to-air UK channels, as well as on other networks.

The licence covers TVs in guest bedrooms as well as in communal areas of the premises — such as restaurants, bars, lounges, lobbies, and fitness spaces.

AVLA represents the UK’s largest and most diverse community of audiovisual creators, including producers, authors, performers, directors, and visual artists. As a result, the AVLA Licence covers a vast repertoire of works and rights that are not covered by other licences.

The good news for hospitality operators is that compliance is straightforward. The AVLA Licence can be obtained quickly and easily, with a simple online registration process that typically takes just a few minutes.

Securing the AVLA Licence is about more than just managing legal risk. Respecting copyright also means supporting the creatives behind the content. Every film or television programme reflects the work of many individuals — often freelancers — whose livelihoods depend on fair compensation. The royalties collected by AVLA are distributed to these professionals.

In addition to fulfilling legal obligations, hospitality businesses benefit from positioning themselves as ethically responsible — a growing priority for today’s guests and corporate clients alike.

For more information, or to apply for a licence, visit www.avla.uk