Sky under threat at pubs after fees go up

Big screen sport in pubs across the Black Country is under threat as landlords are having to fork out thousands of pounds extra in subscription fees.

The cost of showing fixtures in pubs is becoming so expensive many smaller businesses say they are not be able to afford it.

Meanwhile publicans paying subscriptions say rivals showing sport illegally are undercutting their trade.

Licensee Pete Guise is paying an extra £3,000-a-year to have Sky Sports at The Cabin in Sedgley and says the huge increase in Sky bills is denting his profits.

Mr Guise, aged 49, is now paying £15,600 a year. Just five years ago it cost him £8,300. Bar Sport in Walsall pays £20,000 a year following a rise of £2,500 a month ago.

Mr Guise reckons 10 per cent of his profits a year are swallowed up by the fee but says pulling the plug on Sky Sports is not an option.

He said: "The increase has had a massive effect on my business. You're charged on your rateable value and because I've a got a big car park I'm in a higher band so I'm charged more which is very unfair. Having Sky Sports is a must for me as I've built my business around it but I think there will be a lot of smaller pubs who won't be able to afford it.

Brothers Kalbir and Gurinder Singh run the Hen and Chickens in Hill Top, West Bromwich, and say they are struggling.

Gurinder Singh, 26, said: "Eventually we won't be able to have Sky Sports if the subscription keeps going up. What gets to us is we are doing things the proper way but I know lots of pubs are showing the games illegally."

Bar Sport in Walsall has 60 screens and manager Simon Moore, 33, said: "Even though it is costing us more to have Sky we've actually gained because the increase has affected a lot of smaller pubs.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers represents the industry and boss Nick Bish said: "The situation is not helpful for pubs in difficult times. More pubs will stop showing it but it's sad because many pubs have built their business around lads and sports."