Host claims FAPL targets small pubs
A Portsmouth host who was warned-off using foreign satellite systems to screen football has hit out because neighbouring Greene King managed pubs are still using them to show games.
The licensee said he considered installing a foreign system this year but received a visit from Media Protection Services (MPS), which prosecutes on behalf of the FA Premier League (FAPL), warning him of the legal consequences.
He followed the advice and installed Sky Sports, but said his Saturday takings are down 30% because two neighbouring Greene King managed houses are continuing to show games at 3pm using a foreign satellite channel.
For the good of the pub sector, it's really important that the law is clarified and that Sky reviews its own arrangements with foreign suppliers Mark Angela, managing director of Greene King Pub Company
The licensee, who wished to remain anonymous, said MPS investigators would have seen the Greene King pubs when they visited his.
"The FA Premier League seems very willing to take on the small individual traders but don't seem to want to take on the big boys," the licensee said.
"How can I compete? Even if I went down the foreign satellite route, I could not afford the fine - but for Greene King it would be nothing."
MPS boss Ray Hoskin said he was not scared of taking on brewers and pubcos.
He said: "We take the same view with big companies as with independent tenants. If we find breweries have condoned such action they will be open to prosecution.
"We have hosted the brewers at FAPL headquarters to explain, but isolated brewers continue to flout the law."
Mark Angela, managing director of Greene King Pub Company told morningadvertiser.co.uk: "Sport is an integral part of our business and we invest heavily in Sky and large flat screens to give customers the best possible sporting experience in hundreds of our community pubs up and down the country.
"Now that our pubs are the official supporters of England rugby, sport is an even bigger focus.
"The two pubs in Portsmouth are no longer showing foreign satellite football but there is still a great deal of confusion across the industry about the law itself.
"For the good of the pub sector, it's really important that the law is clarified and that Sky reviews its own arrangements with foreign suppliers."
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