Special Occasions: Win with sport

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THERE'S LITTLE doubt about the main sports news affecting pubs in 2008. The failure of the home nations to qualify for next summer's football...

THERE'S LITTLE doubt about the main sports news affecting pubs in 2008. The failure of the home nations to qualify for next summer's football European Championships represents a potentially big knock to pubs' takings.

But there are plenty of other sporting events to fill the gap. Besides, a major international football tournament will always be big business, irrespective of whether our boys are there.

One pub mainstay that will be as big next year as ever is horse racing. Satellite channel Racing UK advises that events such as the Cheltenham Festival (March 11 to 14) and the Aintree Grand National meeting (April 3 to 5) can pull in the crowds. To capitalise on this, it suggests:

• Offering food and drink throughout the day, even if it's as simple as sandwiches

• Holding 'tipster' competitions so that customers can get involved and have a chance of winning something

• Creating an atmosphere by organising race nights

• Organising trips to the local race course for regulars.

Racing UK is broadcast on Sky 432. Even if you don't subscribe to Sky, you can receive the channel. All you need is a satellite dish and receiver - Racing UK can supply a Sky card free.

Punching above its weight?

Meanwhile, Citypublife, an internet listings service for pubs showing sport, points to the growth of boxing, and believes its UK profile will grow even further next year. The site fielded huge numbers of enquiries from people looking for a pub in which to watch the Hatton/Mayweather fight earlier this month.

Citypublife managing director Perry Mayer says: "With Khan, Calzaghe and Hatton, there's a lot of interest being generated. And all of those will have at least one big fight next year.

"The main obstacle is that fights are shown so late, but with the new licensing laws you can get round that. Staffing is a perceived issue but if you're making enough and are willing to pay staff more, it's worth it."

Licensees get ready for the 2008 sporting calendar

Rick Robinson, licensee at the Willoughby Arms in Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey

Rick has developed the Willoughby Arms as a sports pub with three big screens, TVs and an outdoor plasma screen after identifying a niche in the area for a pub doing 'anything but food'.

"Euro 2008 will still be very popular," he says. "There will be a general stream of people coming in to watch it.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the old home nations tournament will be reinstated. A lot of people will slag it off, but I bet if it goes ahead we will get a big attendance."

Alan Walters, Hertfordshire sports pubco Druids

For February's Six Nations rugby, Druids is arranging charity auctions of jerseys worn by professional players, barbecues, outdoor screens and drinks offers at its four pubs.

Alan has a positive outlook on the lack of international summer football: "A football fan is a football fan. They will come in to watch whatever is on. Not being at the European Championships gives us in the trade an opportunity to think of something different. Our Watford site will be designated a Polish pub because there are lots of Eastern European fans around there."

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