Publicans attack live sport broadcast prices

The Vintners Federation of Ireland has said the fees Sky and Eir Sport are charging pubs to show live sport broadcast on their channels are “unsustainable”.

In a fresh attack on commercial cable television charges, the federation — the nationwide representative body for bars and pubs — yesterday warned the “extremely high cost” of commercial subscriptions could act as a precursor to rising drinks prices in pubs.

This month, Sky raised its commercial subscription rates by 20%, while Eir Sport (formerly Setanta Sports) maintained its prices — though with a reduced offering, say the federation.