Is it illegal to plug in a device to watch BBC iPlayer or Live TV in Starbucks?

I suspect this relates to the UK TV Licencing provisions as listed here,

Specifically :

Can I watch TV on my mobile phone without a TV Licence?

If you’re using a mobile device powered solely by its own internal batteries – like a smartphone, tablet or laptop – you will be covered by your home’s TV Licence, wherever you’re using it in the UK and Channel Islands.

However, if you’re away from home and plug one of these devices into the mains and use it to watch live on any channel, TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer*, you need to be covered by a separate TV Licence at that address (unless you’re in a vehicle or vessel like a train, car or boat).

I've said "I suspect" as I don't know for certain what Starbucks are doing, but it looks like this is means that either they are not providing you with use of their Licence at those premises, or that they don't have one for those premises (particularly likely if they're not in the UK, also possible if they are). Without mains power connection (ie. batteries only) it would be the user's home Licence that was relevant.

TV Licencing is covered by Part 4 of the Communications Act 2003.

from Hacker News https://ift.tt/tTkRQcA