Malcolm Rhead, licensee and designated premises supervisor of The Sneyd Arms, was found guilty in his absence of two offences relating to the dishonest broadcast of Sky televised programming.
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The case was heard at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Monday 10 August.
FACT brought the criminal prosecution after Rhead televised Sky Sports football matches with the intent to avoid paying the commercial subscription charge required to show Sky Sports in licensed premises.
Sky Sports is only available to licensed premises in the UK through a commercial viewing agreement from Sky Business.
Rhead was ordered to pay total fines and costs of £5,535.70.
Commercial agreement
FACT warned business premises showing Sky broadcasts without a commercial viewing agreement risk similar action or potential civil legal proceedings.
Nick Sumner, investigations manager at FACT, said: “Showing Sky Sports in a commercial venue without the correct agreement is illegal and unfair to the many pubs and clubs that pay legitimately.
“This outcome demonstrates that licensees who attempt to avoid the proper subscription charges can face prosecution and financial penalties.
“FACT will continue to work with Sky Business to identify infringements and take action.”
Sara Stewart, head of compliance, commercial anti piracy at Sky Business, said: “Pubs and licensed venues invest in Sky Sports because live sport is an important part of the experience they offer their customers.
“Illegal screenings undermine those businesses and the value of the content itself.
“We work closely with FACT to protect legitimate customers and take action against venues that show Sky Sports without the correct commercial viewing agreement.”
Sport investment
The case comes as pubs increasingly build sport into their wider trading strategies, with operators investing in screens, sound systems, viewing areas and dedicated formats to drive footfall around major fixtures.
The Morning Advertiser (MA) reported today that live sport is becoming a more deliberate part of pub estate strategy, with operators including Marston’s, Star Pubs, Greene King and BOXPARK investing in sports led occasions.
It follows similar FACT prosecutions earlier this year, including a Wrexham licensee ordered to pay more than £4,500 in July and a Powys licensee ordered to pay £19,000 in June after illegally screening Sky Sports.
