If you thought it was legal to watch live sporting events on your work computer without a television licence, think again.

TV Licensing is warning businesses in Wandsworth they face fines of up to £1,000 if they are caught watching live sporting events, such as Wimbledon and Euro 2008, without a permit.

During the last football World Cup 190 individuals and businesses in the borough were caught, while 40 were netted during 2007's Wimbledon fortnight.

The fines related to businesses which either had a television set with no licence or to people who were watching live broadcasts online.

A spokesman from TV Licensing said: "We're not talking about facilities such as the BBC's iPlayer, where there is a short broadcast delay, but rather anything where there's live streaming through the internet. This applies to big sporting events such as the big football matches, tennis championships or the Olympics."

In Wandsworth during the 2006 World Cup 190 fines were handed out, compared with 68 in Merton, 19 in Kingston and 195 in Lambeth. The brorough also saw 40 penalties given out to during 2007's Wimbledon fornight, compared with 70 in Merton and 90 in Lambeth, but zero in Kingston.

A spokesman from TV Licensing said: "We know a lot of people like to keep up with the action from big events by watching online at the office. Watching TV on a computer at work is no different from watching on a TV set at home - if you're watching programmes as they're broadcast, you need to be covered by a valid licence.

"TV Licensing would always rather businesses are correctly licensed than risk a court case and a fine, which is why we're making sure that managers are aware of the need to be covered if staff are watching online."

Stephen Alambritis, of the Federation of Small Businesses, added: "We believe that more people than ever before are watching live sports while at work, so it's essential for managers to ensure that they understand the TV Licensing regulations.

"Whether your employees are into football, tennis or athletics, if they are watching without a licence you risk a court case and a £1,000 fine. Buying a licence is very straightforward and takes minutes online so make sure you're covered to enjoy the sport this summer."

A licence for a colour television costs £139.50 while one for a black and white set costs £47.

For more information visit tvlicensing.co.uk/business or call 0844 800 5832.