RETURN TO FULL FEES FOR FOXTEL

Despite depressed trading conditions nationwide, Foxtel has confirmed pub subscriptions will be returning to full fees from 1 July.

Since the Federal Government ordered the closure of businesses on 23 March, businesses, landlords and suppliers have been striking compromises to help ensure mutual survival and resumed trade on the other side.

Even as most pubs are reopening and NSW has slated further easing next month, there are still restrictions in all states severely impacting the ability of licensed venues to trade anywhere near normal levels.

Beyond the restrictions, many consumers are torn between a desire to go out to the local again and wariness of public places so soon after a pandemic.

Foxtel enjoys a monopoly on providing sports content to venues, although most professional sports and virtually all international competition remains at reduced levels or has not yet resumed at all.

But this week the entertainment giant confirmed at the start of July fees and charges will be reinstated to 100 per cent of former amounts, despite many of the sports being not currently available.

The company has offered it will consider financial circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and venues paying for the service would be well-advised to contact Foxtel directly regarding any relief from fees.

The Australian Hotels Association in NSW has reportedly been working with industry suppliers to help negotiate fairer outcomes for its members and is said to be disappointed with Foxtel’s decision.

Foxtel has previously demonstrated aggressive fee structures reflective of its virtual monopoly, in late 2018 determining to pin regional pubs to the same rates as those in the cities, resulting in a 30-50 per cent increase for those affected.

The return to the ‘old normal’ pub fees for Fox follows a push by the company for new home subscriptions, offering up to 31.4 per cent discounts on sports packages until midnight on 30 June.