BSkyB will hit pub operators with an average 13% increase in their Sky subscription for televised sport from August this year.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has reacted with dismay to the news, which comes on top of last year’s average 12% rise.

“This increase is a further slap in the face for licensees, who are already struggling to make Sky pay,” said ALMR chairman Nick Bish.

Bish said he had no doubt that for some operators the hike would be too much to bear.
 
It is the eighth successive year of significant price rises, which have seen some pubs’ prices rise by 1,000% and is six times the rate of inflation, the ALMR claims.

Recently pub giant Wolverhampton & Dudley said it would be ditching Sky in its pubs because the cost had become prohibitive.

By Alix Young

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