The latest ruling by the regulator Ofcom has forced Sky to cut its prices for its sports channels by up to 23% – but not to commercial venues.
This ruling comes as a body blow to the UK licensed trade as it makes it even more affordable for people to watch Sky Sports 1 & 2 at home rather than going out to the pub to watch the game. In a typical blank to the UK’s pubs the decision only applies to domestic subscribers not commercial premises.
With a recent report by the British Beer & Pub Association showing a good run by the England Football team in the upcoming World Cup could bring in more than £124million to the UK pub industry it is obvious just how costly this decision could be.
Sky is reportedly to appeal against the decision but it seems likely this will just delay the inevitable.