Television licence inspectors have launched a crackdown targeting almost 2,500 businesses in Brighton and Hove.

The Business Blacklist campaign has involved sending letters to the firms warning them they need to buy licences for televisions at their work premises.

It follows Asda's conviction and £4,950 fine earlier this month for failing to register more than 100 television sales from stores in Brighton and Eastbourne.

TV Licensing is warning the companies targeted they risk prosecution and fines unless they pay up for licences.

The business sectors thought most likely to evade licences include retail, restaurants, construction, computing and garages.

Vanessa Wood, TV Licensing spokeswoman for the South-East, said: "More companies than ever before in Brighton have a TV at work but our research shows many businesses may not be properly licensed.

"Often this is because people at work think someone else is responsible for buying the TV licence but in the end no one does.

"With the prospect of a trip to court and a £1,000 fine, this could be an expensive and embarrassing mistake to make."

The letters will be backed with an advertising campaign directed at blacklisted firms.

For more details, go to www.tvlicensing.co.uk/business

Tuesday October 28, 2003