The Licensee of Cleo’s Bar in Sunderland, North East England, was found guilty in his absence, of two offenses related to the dishonest broadcast of Sky televised programming. In this case, it was football matches televised Sky Sports football; with the intent to avoid payment of the applicable commercial subscription charge.
The anti-piracy organization Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) brought the criminal prosecution at South Tyneside Magistrates Court against the licensee, for showing Sky Sports to customers without having valid commercial viewing agreements in place. Business premises that show Sky broadcasts without a commercial viewing agreement risk similar action, or even civil legal action.
On Tuesday, 15 October 2024, Mr. Kenneth Craigs, the designated premises supervisor of Cleo’s Bar was ordered to pay total fines and costs of £7,400.
“We actively visit thousands of venues every season to monitor the games they are showing to help protect hardworking Sky customers who are unfairly losing business due to this illegal activity,” said Sara Stewart, Head of Compliance (Commercial Anti-Piracy), Sky Business. Cleo’s was one of them.
Further reading
Licensee of Cleo’s Bar in Sunderland fined for illegally screening Sky Sport. Press release. October 16, 2024. FACT The Federation Against Copyright Theft
Why it matters
Sky Sports is only available to licensed premises in the UK via a commercial viewing agreement from Sky Business.
“it’s important to protect the investment of our customers. Businesses that show Sky Sports illegally can leave our legitimate Sky subscribers feeling short-changed,” said Ms. Stewart of Sky Business.
“By taking action against those who engage in fraudulent practices and unlawfully broadcast Sky content, FACT aim to create a strong deterrent for other licence holders who might consider similar actions,” added Kieron Sharp, FACT CEO.