BT Sport free for pubs in July

BT Sport has announced that it will remain free for its pub and club partners throughout July before a 70% discount on August rates kicks in. 

With pubs allowed to resume trading from 4 July, and the current Premier League season expected to conclude on 25 July, this means that subscribers will have free access to six fixtures before the current campaign wraps.

These include Norwich v Brighton and Manchester United v Bournemouth on 4 July; Manchester City v Newcastle United and West Ham v Burnley on 8 July; and Norwich v West Ham and champions Liverpool v Burnley on 11 July.

What’s more, BT Sport customers will be able to show live football from the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League this summer. 

After receiving 70% off in August, BT Sport’s ‘Back to Business’ customer discount will then decrease on a monthly basis until the end of year, when standard charges will resume. From July to December, pubs taking the offer will receive an average saving of 50% per month.

“We recognise that when pubs reopen they will be operating within challenging restrictions whilst trying to reconnect with their customers and communities,” Bruce Cuthbert, BT Sport’s director of commercial customers said. 

“During this time we are committed to supporting our customers and helping them get back to business in a sustainable way. 

“We hope that our approach, along with the free digital training we are offering to the industry, will help pubs and clubs make a strong recovery from the impact of Covid-19.”

Along with Sky Sports, BT suspended pub billings​ in March as the Covid-19 pandemic forced Britain’s pubs to close. 

As reported by The Morning Advertiser (MA),​ pubs and clubs wishing to show live sport must adhere to Government guidance​ to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. 

MA​ understands that while pubs and bars will be able to show live sport, Government guidance states that shouting and chanting is not to be permitted due to the potential for aerosol transmission of Covid-19.

The Government’s document also states that all venues should ensure that measures are taken to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other. Therefore, live sports coverage must be played a volume that enables normal conversation to take place throughout the rest of the venue.

What’s more, venues are encouraged to reconfigure indoor spaces to ensure customers are seated rather than standing when watching live sports broadcasts and using additional staff to supervise where appropriate. 

Like other venues, sports pubs will be mandated to undertake a risk assessment before reopening, as well as incorporating broader guidance into relaunch plans.