Sports bar kicks off TV ads for holidays

A sport-themed pub is hoping to see trade soar by offering punters the chance to book holidays while they sip their pints.

In a tie-in with Australian travel agents Harvey World Travel, the Bar Sport in Cannock, Staffordshire, has, from last week, started showing ads for holidays on its television screens while there is no live sporting event.

Customers can book a holiday directly by calling the number on the screen, where they will be connected to sales reps at the travel agents.

The trips on offer are constantly updated by Harvey World Travel staff, who send the latest deals directly to the pub's main computer.

Because its customers are often big fans of sport, most of the holidays are to major sporting events. For example, about 12 people recently booked to see British boxer Danny Williams fight in Las Vagas. But weekend trips and longer holidays are offered as well.

The pub is paid 5% commission for every holiday sold. Individual members of staff get to keep 2% if they helped sell the trip. Bar Sport owner Scott Murray said it was still early days but customers had shown an interest.

"People are still a bit unsure because this is something totally different," he said. "But the reaction so far has been very good."