Licence row kicks World Cup into touch for police

Television screens across the Avon and Somerset force area have been covered with a sign reading “do not turn on until further notice”.

Officials have blamed the ban – which also cover the Wimbledon tournament – on a copyright row with a music licensing company.

The force is currently being sued by Phonographic Performance Limited, which claims the force has been playing music through television sets without a licence.

It means officers will not be able to relax in front of the TV during break times – and won’t be able to watch any of the World Cup.

But the big switch-off has been slammed by rank-and-file officers, many of whom have been unable to take annual leave during the tournament so they can patrol rowdy fans.

One officer, who did not want to be named, said the remote had been confiscated in his station to stop tempted officers from sneaking a peek at the scores.

He said: “Just because we’re police officers doesn’t mean we don’t like watching the football like any other person. Maybe we’re not trusted to only watch the games in our rest periods.

“People on late shifts from 2pm until 11pm would usually come in for dinner some time during the evening, but now they won’t get to watch the football on their break.

“It all seems like somewhat unfortunate timing that the ban has come in just before the World Cup. A big sign’s gone up in the station and we can’t watch the TV. Apparently it’s for rights reasons.”

Police officers are usually allowed to take half an hour off for a break every day, giving them time to relax and eat – and usually watch TV.

The licensing organisation’s spokesman Nazneen Nawaz said: “PPL issued proceedings for copyright infringement against Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 2013. As those proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for PPL to comment further.”