Trade backs fight against Sky's subscription hike
An MP's campaign to get Sky to review the prices it charges publicans is being backed by the United Kingdom and Ireland Licensed Trade Associations.
Martyn Jones, MP for Clywd South, tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons earlier this month criticising Sky's decision to hike its prices by up to 22 per cent. He called Sky's move "pie-in-the-Sky" and asked for a review to be set up in time for the new season.
Now the UK and Ireland Licensed Trade Associations are urging their members to lobby their local MPs to sign up to Mr Jones's motion.
Reacting to the move, Mr Jones said: "I am staggered by the level of support that my campaign has attracted from across the UK. One licensee in my area has had his subscription increased from £399 to £488 for next year. There is little wonder that licensees are going to abandon Sky Sports in their droves for the start of next season, unless things change."
If the motion receives substantial support it could lead the government to push the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to reopen its investigation into Sky's alleged monopoly of football rights.
The OFT told The Publican that it has received a number of complaints from licensees about the recent price increases.
Eric Rideout, secretary of the UK and Ireland Licensed Trade Associations, said: "I am confident that we will get a lot of support behind this campaign.
"Licensees are getting tired of Sky's high-handed attitude. We have all tried to meet with Sky and discuss the problem but it doesn't want to listen."
The organisation is made up of, among others the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, the Northern Ireland Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade, the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.
Mr Jones tabled the motion following an appeal from Allan Hayes, chairman of the Wrexham and District Licensed Victuallers Association, who had received several complaints from local members about Sky's latest price rise.
Sky has declined to comment.
The launch of the campaign has been hampered by the fact that Parliament has just gone into recess.
However, Mr Jones's office is confident that the campaign can be picked up again when Parliament reconvenes in September.
Related articles:
BBPA hits out at Sky (17 July 2003)
Sky bids for sole football rights up to 2007 (14 July 2003)
Labour MP calls on Sky to review pricing policy (10 July 2003)
Champions League coverage justifies price hike, says Sky (7 July 2003)
Pub companies slam Sky price-hike (7 July 2003)
Anger as Sky hikes up fees (3 July 2003)
Sky cleared of breaking competition law (18 December 2002)
