Pubs' anger over illegal TV sport broadcasts

The vast majority (82%) of the 300 pubs polled by Sky Business believe the unauthorised screening of live sport negatively impacts other pubs, and one in four said they have already blown the whistle
on a fellow publican.

During the course of the past football season, there were 47 successful prosecutions against pubs — with total fines and costs accumulating to well over £200,000 — as part of a widespread enforcement campaign.

Sky said each week it receives reports of unauthorised activity from publicans, which lead to investigations and legal action. Most recently, a Durham man received a suspended prison sentence for illegally selling Sky systems to pubs and clubs, following a tip-off from a licensee.

Licensees showed their support for this action taken by a coalition of Sky, the Premier League, and the Federation Against Copyright Theft in clamping down on unauthorised venues. More than half surveyed said publicans who were found guilty should be named and shamed in the local media and trade press; with 48% also stating a loss of licence would be appropriate.

Ahead of the new Premier League season kick off this weekend, the majority of licensees who took part in the research said they were clear on the rules around unauthorised screening; almost nine in 10 said they understood the law either ‘very well’ or ‘fairly well’.

'Damaging'​

Alison Dolan, deputy managing director at Sky Business, said: “There is a clear understanding among publicans around the legalities of screening live sport, and we are committed to protecting the investment our customers make by continuing to pursue action against unauthorised venues as well as investigating suppliers.

“Screenings without a valid subscription are damaging to the sector, and those licensees who choose to televise content in this way should be aware that they are at high risk of
being caught and face substantial penalties.”

What licensees say in response to: how does the illegal screening of sport damage your business?​

“Just affects trade generally, and sees a real dip come Saturday afternoon, it’s an empty house because our neighbours are showing illegal matches.”

“We have fewer customers when they should be here. Other pubs are showing games they shouldn’t. We have less money coming in as beer and snacks sales are affected.”

“We’re losing revenue; instead of coming to our pubs they’re down the road with the cowboys.”