Pubs turning off high-cost Sky

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Pubs trade group ALMR, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, claims the high price of subscribing to Sky has meant 20% of bars have abandoned the service over the past five years.

It has left football fans around the country with fewer and fewer places to watch games.

The group says the cost of Sky's premium package, around £13,000 a year, combined with the credit crunch and smoking ban is forcing pubs to ditch it. "Watching a big game in the local with a group of friends is as close to being there as you can get," said Nick Bish, chief executive of the ALMR.

"It's also the only place fans can watch live Premiership action for free. This pleasure is being threatened by Sky's relentless price rises."

Pubs say if lager's price had risen at the same rate as Sky's it would be £9 a pint.