Pubs must be given a sporting chance

As the summer fast approaches the temperature in the simmering debate about televised sport in pubs is about to rise.

Firstly, Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe promised during a Commons debate on public houses last week that "we need to speak to representatives of Sky and Setanta and similar providers, to see what they can do for the smaller pub — for pubs that are not part of a big chain that can afford the fee. I undertake to ensure that we at least talk to them about the possibility." No minister has gone nearly as far as this before.

Secondly, the Government's review of the listed sporting events that must be made available to free-to-air TV at a reasonable price is about to start work. The review is headed by ex-Football Association executive David Davies. Their recommendations will go to Culture and Sports Minister Andy Burnham before the end of the year. He will then make the final decision on additions or deletions to the list before the general election.

Many pubs that would never dream of paying a hefty subscription to Sky currently benefit from being able to show events such as the Grand National this coming weekend, as well as the World Cup, Wimbledon and the Olympics.

Some of the rights-holders will be doing their best to diminish or abolish the list.

My sources tell me that FIFA for example has been hinting to the Government that if England are to have any chance of securing the 2018 football World Cup, the event itself must be substantially delisted.

A "Keep the sporting crown jewels free on TV" coalition is currently being formed and pub industry organisations could play a crucial role here. A lack of terrestrial coverage of the forthcoming Ashes series is likely to sharpen the focus of the debate.

Finally, the sporting and broadcasting world, together with the pub industry, now look like they will have to wait until 2010 for the European Court of Justice hearing of Portsmouth licensee Karen Murphy's case. If the host of the Red, White & Blue pub wins the right to show Premier League football courtesy of a decoder card purchased in Greece and imported by a distributor, the implications are huge.

The case will determine which takes precedence — the law of copyright or the free movement of goods and services in the EU.

"Europe backs British pub against Murdoch" is a headline well worth waiting for.