'It's just a shame': Massive 'un-Australian' charge turns Aussie tradition into luxury

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.


compressed-pexels-myatezhny39-2927526.jpeg
Apart from live sport viewings, pubs also cater to live music and musicians on tours. Image Credit: Pexels/Darya Sannikova


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:

Source: @thefergusneal/TikTok

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.
Key Takeaways

  • Local pubs are being charged thousands of dollars to air live sport, such as AFL matches.
  • Many smaller venues shared that they could no longer afford high Foxtel fees, which could end the tradition of watching sport at local pubs.
  • Publicans warned that if costs do not come down, only large hospitality groups will be able to afford live sport, changing Australia's pub landscape.
  • Aussies also shared their disappointment and concerns that pub traditions could die as live sport becomes less accessible to communities.
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.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
The local pub scene is getting more and more expensive these days....the price of a schooner of beer is beyond just being dear and if you are in a school of say just 4 people then a shout is going to be $32 each time....now that's starting to become price prohibitive for a lot of people who just want to have an enjoyable session with your mates. Having some mates at home to enjoy a few beers just doesn't provide the same atmosphere as the local pub....some may enjoy it that way and without doubt it is a lot cheaper doing it that way....but others enjoy the pub atmosphere and their added facilities like TAB facilities, pokies and even the odd raffle going on while the big screen of sport is raging. Having weekend Sport on the TV at the local should be more reasonably priced for our publicans...it's disgusting that this Australian tradition is being plundered by the TV satellite outlets to the point where the smaller pubs just can't afford to provide this service for their patrons....it's as un Australian as you can get really...they are nothing but a disgusting bunch of modern day Bushrangers and should be hanged.:mad:
 
No doubt about it, they have people over a barrel, I don`t watch football and don`t like sports, but there is a lot of people that do. We don`t go to the pub or club either, but once again a lot of people do. It`s realy about the control that media has over the population and targets the things that most will want. Big bucks all the way. How do you short circuit this, don`t use it. There has been some good ideas, like watch it on free T.V. and understand that by using paid T.V programmes you are going to pay for it. (Very Simplistic) there needs to be other safe guards in place to stop Media groups from this type of control.
 
Uunfortunately it's the way of the future, even people at home are paying more and more, especially since fox and kayo have been purchased by a filthy Rich Russian.
Singomate: I was thinking this morning about paying again for Kayo it’s the only way I can watch a live NRL match. I am a Storm fan but am missing out on a lot of games unless it’s on of a Thursday night or Sunday at 4. When I lived in NSW it was great I could go across to the local club & watch the games but I did read that a lot of pubs & clubs have had to stop showing live games because of what they are being charged. Will have to think about it being only on a pension. ☹️☹️
 
I think that sport, especially football, should be on free to air. While I’m not a great fan of AFL my husband & brother like to watch certain games. We are fortunate enough to have Foxtel, though am thinking of dumping it, but I do enjoy watching cricket & appreciate that it’s ad free. My late elderly parents enjoyed watching foot & cricket but subscribing & wrangling a Foxtel box would’ve been too confusing. Unfortunately, sporting organisations want so much money for the broadcasting rights that only pay tv can afford to purchase.
 
Singomate: I was thinking this morning about paying again for Kayo it’s the only way I can watch a live NRL match. I am a Storm fan but am missing out on a lot of games unless it’s on of a Thursday night or Sunday at 4. When I lived in NSW it was great I could go across to the local club & watch the games but I did read that a lot of pubs & clubs have had to stop showing live games because of what they are being charged. Will have to think about it being only on a pension. ☹️☹️
Is Kayo expensive Judy? I’ll need other options when I ditch Foxtel. My son is a Storm fan & Richmond in the AFL. He decided that I could follow them as well because I didn’t have a team.
This was because I didn’t exactly want one 😂. The things we do for our offspring, we now have discussions about our team’s progress, only I get confused over who plays where. 😂
 
I have no interest in watching a pack of nearly naked men or women chasing a ball across a multi-million dollar field. So it's not costing me a thing.
Also, the cost of beer in my house is probably $50 per annum.
 
Toggle sidebar
Beer costs us exactly $0 per year, neither of us can stand it.
I buy some to keep in the fridge for when a mate or two come to visit.
I don't like the taste of it at all, but will have a beer with a friend.....just one which I drink very slowly.
I think there is a 6 pack of Cascade somewhere in the jungle, which is my garage, I think it's been there for a few years now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
Is Kayo expensive Judy? I’ll need other options when I ditch Foxtel. My son is a Storm fan & Richmond in the AFL. He decided that I could follow them as well because I didn’t have a team.
This was because I didn’t exactly want one 😂. The things we do for our offspring, we now have discussions about our team’s progress, only I get confused over who plays where. 😂
Yes it is PattiB if you are on a pension. You have to make a choice between paying for medication or having a luxury as they would call it.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: PattiB

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×