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Law on showing Premier League games in pubs 'must be clarified'
Thu 09 Feb 2012
Several pub industry groups are seeking clarification of where the law stands on showing Premier League football matches in licensed premises.
According to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the legal position needs to be firmly established as a matter of urgency, the Publican's Morning Advertiser reports.
A case on the issue is due to be heard in the UK later this month, which could result in a definitive ruling following earlier cases in the High Court and the European Court of Justice.
BBPA said the outcome "should be helpful" for landlords, but stressed "big price hikes" levied by Sky is one reason why many are using foreign satellite providers to show football matches.
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers is also keen to see the law clarified and has suggested landlords avoid buying European decoder cards until the issue is resolved.
Strategic affairs director Kate Nicholls said this is necessary because at the moment, UK law still says using a foreign network represents an infringement of copyright.
For further information on any of the points raised in this article please contact Robert Botkai in our Licensing Department
