The AVLA licence – a legal requirement

When travellers arrive at a hotel, B&B, serviced apartment or similar property, they expect a certain level of comfort and entertainment. Television is an indispensable resource. While some may argue that TV is dying in the age of streaming platforms and on-demand content, in reality it still holds great value for the hospitality industry, especially in the UK. British films and television programmes are renowned the world over for quality, innovation and artistry.

Television is crucial for providing entertainment options and for enhancing the overall guest experience, contributing to a more pleasant and memorable stay. In addition, TV can also serve as a valuable marketing tool.

By offering a diverse selection of channels, operators can cater to a wide range of guests and attract more visitors, differentiating themselves from competitors. Television also helps them build brand loyalty and positive reputation. Guests are more likely to return to a property that provides a high-quality entertainment experience, as well as recommend it.

However, with the convenience and benefits of offering television come certain responsibilities, particularly respecting copyright laws. Operators must ensure they have the necessary licences to broadcast content legally.

The AVLA licence enables hotels, aparthotels, B&Bs and similar establishments to legally display in public TV channels containing audiovisual works (films, series, documentaries, cartoons and other TV shows) from AVLA’s extensive repertoire. It covers TVs in bedrooms and in communal areas of the premises (e.g. in a hotel’s restaurant, bar, etc.). Operating without a licence constitutes a legal infringement of the rights of AVLA’s creatives.

AVLA represents the UK largest and most varied community of audiovisual creators, comprising various categories of rightsholders: producers, authors, performers, directors, and visual artists. Consequently, the AVLA licence covers an immense catalogue of works and rights, not covered by other licensors.

When it comes to clearing rights, most hoteliers struggle to navigate through the sometimes complex world of copyright. The AVLA licence helps them to comply with legal requirements in a simple manner.

For clarity, the AVLA licence does not replace licences issued by other organisations, and vice versa. Even if establishments have obtained authorisations from other licensors, they will still need the AVLA licence to cover the works in AVLA’s catalogue.

By taking the AVLA licence, hospitality accommodation businesses are directly helping to maintain a vibrant audiovisual sector, in the UK and beyond. The royalties collected serve to finance new content, as well as to sustain tens of thousands of workers and companies involved in the process.

Respecting copyright law is crucial not only to avoid legal or reputational risks, but also to support the UK’s world-class creative industries. So, by taking the AVLA licence, operators are securing legal compliance and demonstrating their commitment to ethical business practices, while also helping to sustain and support the creative individuals and businesses working hard to produce the TV and film content that is so valued by their customers.

To learn more about AVLA and to get the licence, visit www.avla.uk

Photo: Molishka/Shutterstock