TV in an office

Buzby

It has nothing to do whether the sound is on or off or whether subtitles are shown. It is the ability to receive TV broadcasts that causes the licence liability, so a TV licence would be required to prevent the firm being held in default - PRS is a separate issue. That said, I'm unaware of any firm appearing in court on using a TV without a licence - Crapita usually pursue single mothers instead.

As to PRS, there have been prosecutions where a Reception TV playing music is enough to make the owner liable to the PRS, so being mute would prevent this.