Hospitality Ulster, the voice of the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland, has hit out at the announcements by both BT Sport and Sky that they are to hike the price of their subscription services at a time when the pubs here cannot afford another additional bill.
The comments come as BT Sport announced an 8.9 per cent increase to its subscription price to come in from 1st September following a move by Sky last month who have increased prices by 10 per cent.
With the Olympics running from 5-21st August, many pubs will now be considering to run this for their customers or will simply just pull the plug on the greatest sporting show on earth.
Over the past few months, Sky TV representatives have been active in the Downpatrick area talking to landlords and have given ultimatums about joining up to Sky or face penalties for unlicenced screening. This is a major tipping point in the bar trade and may well force a number of bars to finally call it a day.
The average monthly price for BT Sport for an independent pub will increase by £35 a month to £430, whilst many pubs pay up to £1,500 per month for Sky subscription. To make things worse, premises now have two subscription to pay as the major sporting events are spread across both BT and Sky.
Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said today: “Many publicans have been shocked at these recent price hike announcements, with monthly subscriptions based on a premises rateable value, last year’s business rate increases have meant some premises will now see a 40% increase in their TV subscriptions.”
“We want to encourage people to come out and socialise with friends and family and have a good time in our pubs and bars across Northern Ireland, that means providing entertainment such as the showing of major sporting events.”
“The crippling price of the subscription service to the main sports channels are already exorbitant, and this hike may mean that many will simply have to forego the showing of the big games which ultimately has a real impact on custom, profit and the viability of many of our licensed premises.”
“The simple fact is, both Sky and BT don’t seem to care, but we will do everything in our power to make them listen.”
