ALMOST half of Wales' small businesses could be risking a fine of up to £1,000 when they tune in to watch the Chancellor's Budget speech on April 17.

TV Licensing is warning Welsh businesses to check they are correctly licensed before its new task force team of evasion officers, dedicated to the business sector, hits the streets on Budget day.

By law, any business using TV-receiving equipment, including computers fitted with a PCTV card and set top boxes, needs a valid licence.

For a business, one TV licence covers all the television-receiving equipment used on a single site.

But, if any part of the premises is sub-let to another business, then that business will require its own separate TV licence. The same applies if an on-site social or welfare club has a TV.

A licence is not needed if the equipment is not used to receive TV programme services, for example, if it is only used for closed-circuit monitoring, for watching pre-recorded videos, or as a monitor for computers.

Recent NOP surveys, commissioned by TV Licensing, reveals widespread confusion over TV Licence regulations among small businesses. When first questioned, only 10 per cent said they used television equipment at work but, when asked specifically about the Budget, 41per cent said they are set to watch it on TV or PCTV.

A quarter of small businesses said they did not think that businesses using a TV needed a licence, or they are not aware of the regulations.

Spokesman for TV Licensing Rhys Evans said: "Businesses need to familiarise themselves with the law to avoid being caught out.

"We are currently consulting trade bodies on communicating this message to their members.

"Once our new task force launches on April 17, ignorance of the law will be no excuse." Anyone who is unsure of the regulations can double-check by calling 08705 763 763.