I don't think it is accidental that the football World Cup is due this summer.

From what I understand, all pubs now automatically have a 'regulated entertainments' licence, as part of their licence to sell alcohol, and it is at their own discretion whether they use it or not.

I don't think that uderstanding is quite right. They would certainly need to apply for entertainment permission to provide live music. And as they did not use recorded music before the Act came in - they most probably would need to apply to supply any recorded music.

I suspect that their TVs will be used for the exempt simultaneous reception and playing of a programme.