Sky crackdown angers licensee

A licensee says Sky TV has accused him of dishonesty by asking him to sign a declaration that he will not show the satellite TV service in his pub.

Max Course, licensee of the Cock Inn in Roade, Northampton, received a letter headed 'Crackdown on Illegal use of Sky' asking him to sign the form, described as a 'legal disclaimer'.

Mr Course cancelled his business subscription to Sky last year after a 22 per cent price increase raised the monthly fee to almost £300, but still receives the service in the private flat above the pub.

He said: "I was appalled to receive the letter. Sky is accusing any publican who receives Sky domestically of being dishonest.

"It's typical of their arrogance. When I cancelled the pub subscription I had a very unpleasant conversation with one of their customer service representatives, who effectively told me I'd be out of business in six months if I didn't show Sky."

The Cock Inn's regulars are mainly rugby enthusiasts, who have been able to watch the Rugby World Cup on ITV and the Six Nations Tournament on the BBC since Sky was switched off. "It hasn't made any real difference to trade," said Mr Course.

A Sky spokeswoman said "It's a standard letter we send out whenever our records show a domestic subscription at a business address. Most people are happy to sign, and we apologise if anyone has been offended."

The letter warns that Sky makes "hundreds of premises inspections each week", and says "if someone is found to be showing Sky digital in business premises under a residential subscription contact, action can be pursued through the courts."

There is no legal requirement for publicans to sign the declaration.