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'It doesn't pay'

From the archive, first published Tuesday 31st Jul 2007.

PUB landlords are switching off Sky TV because it is now too expensive.

Trevor Brookes became the latest licensee to cancel his subscription after it rose to over £555 per month.

"It just doesn't pay for itself," he said. "It would if it drew more people in but it doesn't."

Customers at the Falcon Bearer in Longridge could buy about 230 pints a month for what it costs Mr Brookes to keep Sky TV.

Last week, though, it emerged that the Builders' Arms was considering installing it at the Mobberley Road pub.

"I've not had the prices through yet so I cannot really comment on them," said landlord Alan Newnes.

"But I know it's very expensive." He said he was unsure if people would be pop in for a pint to watch Sky TV.

But staff at the Legh Arms in Brook Street believe it does draw in the crowds, especially when it screens football matches.

"I think we will keep it," said barman Matt Bardsley. "We would lose a lot of customers if we got rid of it."

The Cross Keys in King Street got rid of Sky TV about four years ago.

"We don't do Sky," said licensee Andrew Burke. "It's a waste of time and you won't get your money back."

And Room in Princess Street simply does not have the money.

"It's not like the Sky you put into your home," said manager David West.

"It's a lot more expensive and this latest price rise means it's way, way over our budget. It's not something we can even consider."