'Pubs must sell 25,000 extra pints to pay for Sky'

Sky has come under fresh attack over research claiming some pubs have to sell 25,000 extra pints over the football season to cover the cost of a subscription.

The figures from the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) suggest that a typical pub has to more than double its usual takings over the bar on all 92 Premiership match days to break even.

The group's figures are based on an average Sky subscription costing £15,000. However, Sky says that nationally an average commercial subscription is much lower, at around £5,400.

The ALMR said that thousands of pubs are ditching the satellite service, while others are raising the price of drinks or being forced to charge an entry fee to fans.

Nick Bish, the ALMR's chief executive, said: "Sky has exploited its monopoly position in the commercial sector to impose enormous price increases on pubs.

"They shouldn't underestimate how important the sector is: we estimate that Sky now generates £340 million annually from pub subscriptions, covering the majority of its £433 million outlay on Premiership TV rights.

"If Sky continues unchecked, more and more pubs will be faced with the stark choice of pulling the plug or passing on costs in uncompetitive beer prices."

However a spokeswoman from Sky said: "Our product helps pubs attract customers and increase sales. We invest almost £1 billion a year in sport and we provide value for money through a year-round schedule of live sport of which the Barclays Premier League is just one important part.

"Our customers also benefit from coverage of the UEFA Champions League, World Cup qualifiers, the FA Cup, and Carling Cup as well as live cricket, golf and rugby union and rugby league."

Media regulator Ofcom is currently investigating the pay Tv industry and looking at whether to refer the situation to the Competition Commission.