Threats

I'd heard about the TV license before-- it's a funny little quirk of the UK that we Americans, with our God-given right to a TV, SUV, cell phone, and gun, find amusing. Of course, since I don't have a TV yet, I hadn't really done that much research on it. Last week, we got this letter in the mail (my favorite part is in the red box):


In case it's illegible, the boxed part reads:

What if you do not use TV equipment at his address? Please call us on 0870 241 8209 and let us know. We will arrange a visit to confirm the situation (emphasis mine), following which we will update our records.

What will the procedure be if you do not respond by the above date? Your details will be prepared for transfer to our Enforcement Division for investigation. Regional Officers will be scheduled to visit your address. If they find evidence that TV receiving equipment is being used on the property without a valid license, you may be cautioned and your statement will be taken in accordance with the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984, or Scottish criminal law. You may face prosecution and risk the maximum penalty of a £1,000 fine.

Now, once I get a TV, I'm planning to buy the license, but why not just call a spade a spade? If they're sending out threatening letters (even if it is in their adorable, proper English manner) and putting the burden of proof on every person to prove he doesn't have a TV, is it really a license any more? It sure sounds like a tax to me.

By the way, yes, the license is £135.50, or about US$ 271. So $23/month for the pleasure of the BBC. Yay! Anyone want to come over for the big cricket/snooker/soccer match?