Hairdressers across Hampshire have been warned not to cut corners by forgetting to pay for a TV licence.

Ten salons in 2016 were prosecuted for licence fee evasion, facing fines of up to £1,000 each.

Salons need a licence if they provide a TV or tablet to watch live TV programmes or BBC programmes on iPlayer.

Hilary Hall, CEO of the national hairdressers’ federation said: “Reading a magazine in the chair is still very popular, but some clients enjoy watching TV while they’re having their hair cut or styled.

“We regularly remind salons that if anyone will be watching TV in the workplace, they need to have a TV license.

“If someone is having a treatment they can be in the chair for a couple of hours.”

The business can risk a fine of up to £1,000 if they don’t have a licence, which costs £145.50.

Ben Craig, a spokesperson for TV Licensing said: “Cutting corners could land the owner in court and facing a fine of up to £1,000.

“With many salons mounting small TV screens by each chair or handheld tablets, it’s important owners and managers take a few moments to review and update their requirements.”