Over the decades, pubs have transcended beyond watering holes.

These venues are not just places to grab a bite or a cold pint; they have also become a community's heartbeat.

Whether it's celebrating a win or commiserating after a loss, pubs have been the go-to spot for some banter and live footy.

But a new, eye-watering threat could put an end to this cherished tradition.


Over the weekend, Fergus Neal found himself in an unthinkable situation for many footy fans.

Neal could not watch a live Australian Football League (AFL) match at his local pub in Fitzroy, Melbourne.

According to the comedian, the venue was being charged $4,000 to broadcast the Saturday games.

The imposed fees by Foxtel were deemed unaffordable for many small and independent pubs.


Yet, it's not an isolated case for Melbourne pubs.

Benny Johnson, publican of the Lord Gladstone in Sydney's Chippendale, used to pay $2,500 for showing live sport.

Johnson decided to pull the plug early, and other pubs might follow suit if the prices continue to rise.

'It's the end of an era where the pub was a meeting place to go watch key events like this,' Johnson lamented.

'It's just a shame.'


The local pub has been the common venue where Aussies witness some of the greatest moments in Australian sport.

It's where strangers become friends and where the highs and lows of the game are shared with passionate fans.

Yet, with the cost of living continuing to rise, pubs are now being asked to pay thousands to show free-to-air sport.

The massive change in sport viewership could mean trouble for the said tradition.

Johnson has been vocal about the rising costs of items in local pubs and chipping away at Aussie pub culture.

'It'll just funnel all the money, all the power, and all the attention to a select few of the bigger groups who can afford it,' he explained.

'They're just such large venues that they can take that $2,500 fee, even if it might be the least beneficial return on investment of all the things that they pay for within their business.'


On the other hand, Neal shared his experience of a footy-free pub online, which struck a nerve among thousands of Aussies.

Social media has been awash with stories of fans who could no longer rely on their local pubs to catch big games.

'Footy should be free for every Australian,' Neal said.

'Hiding sport behind black screens in the name of corporate profits is akin to draping a curtain over Bondi Beach and making Australians pay to swim.'

'Watching footy at the pub is an Australian tradition and should be protected,' he emphasised.

Watch Fergus Neal's story here:

Others agreed with Neal's sentiment, stating that the switch up has been 'un-Australian'.

'At $8 a schooner, you would need to sell $500 to recoup your money... Release the footy,' one commented.

Streaming services across the country have been competing for sport broadcasting rights.

While some matches are still available on free TV, pubs and clubs have been required to pay commercial rates to show live sport.

These rates have skyrocketed in recent years, with providers like Foxtel charging thousands per venue, per season, or even per event.

With rising operation costs on top of broadcasting rights, cities may lose vital community hubs.

Many locals called for changes in how sport broadcasting rights should be managed.

Some suggested that key sporting events should be available to pubs and clubs at a reasonable cost—or even for free.

Others also urged fans to support their local venues in any way they can—whether that's by grabbing a meal, having a drink, or simply spreading the word about the venue.
Have you noticed your local pub turning off the footy, cricket, or other live sport? Do you think it's fair for pubs to be charged thousands to show games? Share your thoughts and opinions about this situation in the comments section below.