On Thursday, 27 March 2025, Vahid Babolhavaeji the licensee of the Premiere Bar and Grill in Plymouth, Devon, was found guilty of three charges related to the dishonest broadcast of Sky televised programming.
In this case, Vahid Babolhavaeji televised Sky Sports football matches with the intent to avoid payment of the applicable commercial subscription charge. Sky Sports is only available to licensed premises in the UK via a commercial viewing agreement from Sky Business.
Babolhavaeji, the designated premises supervisor of the Premiere Bar and Grill, was ordered to pay total fines and costs of £14,000.
FACT brought the criminal prosecution against Babolhavaeji at Plymouth District Magistrates Court 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 facing similar action or civil legal proceedings.
Kieron Sharp, FACT Chairman said: “This outcome highlights FACT’s determination to protect the rights of our broadcasting partners.
By holding individuals accountable for illegal streaming and the misuse of Sky content, FACT sends a clear message to other licensees that these violations will not be tolerated.”
Sara Stewart, Head of Compliance (Commercial Anti-Piracy), Sky Business, added: “Protecting our customers’ investments is more crucial than ever. When businesses illegally broadcast Sky Sports, it can leave our legitimate subscribers feeling short-changed.
“Venues that continue to televise content in this way are breaking the law and are at risk of being ordered to pay significant damages and legal costs to Sky.”
Working with FACT is a key part of Sky’s commitment to protecting pubs and clubs that invest in legitimate Sky Sports subscriptions. Sky is committed to visiting every licensed premises reported by other publicans and/or organisations for illegally showing Sky.
Any licensee affected by these issues can report suspected illegal broadcasting confidentially at www.pubpiracy.com.
