Host claims FAPL targets small pubs

A Portsmouth host who was warned-off using foreign satellite systems to screen football has hit out because neighbouring Greene King- managed pubs are still using them to show games.

The licensee said he considered installing a foreign system this year but received a visit from Media Protection Services (MPS), which prosecutes on behalf of the FA Premier League (FAPL), warning him of the legal consequences.

He followed the advice and installed Sky Sports, but said his Saturday takings are down 30% because two neighbouring Greene King managed houses are continuing to show games at 3pm using a foreign satellite channel.

The licensee, who wished to remain anonymous, said MPS investigators would have seen the Greene King pubs when they visited his.

"The FA Premier League seems very willing to take on the small individual traders but don't seem to want to take on the big boys," the licensee said.

"How can I compete? Even if I went down the foreign satellite route, I could not afford the fine - but for Greene King it would be nothing."

MPS boss Ray Hoskin said he was not scared of taking on brewers and pubcos.

He said: "We take the same view with big companies as with independent tenants. If we find breweries have condoned such action they will be open to prosecution.

"We have hosted the brewers at FAPL headquarters to explain, but isolated brewers continue to flout the law."

Greene King was unavailble for comment.

l Charges against Coventry licensee Christopher Hatch of the Mount Pleasant Inn for showing football via Arabic ART channel were dropped last week, because MPS offered no evidence in court.