A pub has reportedly received a fine of 8,000 after a punter illegally downloaded files using the establishment's Wi-Fi connection.
The managing director of The Cloud, a provider of Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces, confirmed to ZDNet UK that the fine was brought against the pub in the summer as part of a civil case by the copyright owners of the illegally downloaded material.
It is thought to be the first case of its kind holding the venue providing the Wi-Fi as responsible.
It raises further questions about controversial plans to cut off illegal file sharers as proposed by Lord Mandelson earlier this year as this case shows someone else could be taking advantage of your connection.
The pub is yet to be named but The Cloud provides for a number of large pub chains including Fullers, Scottish & Newcastle and Greene King.
IT PRO contacted The Cloud for comment but a spokesperson was unavailable.
