Copyright legislation

Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, if your business shows films or TV programmes to guests — whether in a common area, guest rooms, or as part of a planned event — you need the correct film and TV licensing.

There are two primary licensing bodies for this.

Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC)

This licence covers public screenings of films or TV shows, including those broadcast on TV or streamed via digital platforms. If you show movies in a public space or provide in-room entertainment via DVD or streaming, you must obtain this licence.

Find out how to apply for a licence from MPLC.

Filmbankmedia

For businesses looking to show films in common areas or guest rooms, this company provides licences for public screenings. They offer annual licences, single-event licences, and even international licensing for film screenings.

Find out how to apply for a licence from Filmbankmedia.

By acquiring the proper licences, your business can legally offer entertainment to your guests without risking penalties.

Find out more

Find out from VisitBritain.org on UK-wide laws on copyright and licensing which apply to businesses.

Using good imagery to promote your business and inspire customers is vital, however restrictions can apply.

When you're using images that are not your own, then they are likely to be covered by copyright legisation and using them without explicit permission, or without the correct image credits, could result in large fines.

You'll also need to get consent from any people featured in your own images if they are recognisable. That could mean getting them to sign a permission form and storing it correctly in line with data protection legislation. 

Take a look at our article on how to take great imagery for guidance on the restrictions you need to be aware of.