Pub football solicitor in demand
The solicitor who won an appeal against a “closed period” football screening has seen more hosts request his service.
Almost two weeks ago, former licensee Brian Gannon won an appeal for showing a Chelsea match during the “closed period” between 2.45pm and 5.15pm at a Rochdale pub.
His solicitor Paul Dixon said five licensees have called for his help since the ruling, and he now represents 20 who dispute the closed period.
However, Ray Hoskin, managing director of the body that investigates illegal screenings, Media Protection Services, told the MA this week: “At the moment, we have a conviction every week for cases both inside and outside the closed period and some licensees are pleading guilty.”
Hoskin said the company is currently handling 68 cases of alleged illegal football shown inside and outside the closed period on Saturday afternoons.
He has warned licensees who use foreign satellite cards to beam in football from outside the UK that the practice is illegal.
“Just because the satellite provider is foreign, it doesn’t mean it operates outside the UK law.”
Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne said he advises his members to only use Sky for live football.
“My advice is don’t risk it because it could jeopardise your licence,” he added.
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