Sports at the pub
INTERVIEWS
Tom Porter
Publican | Moss Vale Hotel
Argyle Street Moss Vale
Doug McVie
Bartender | Moss Vale Hotel +
Surveyor General Inn Berrima
Do you think having sports broadcast is a key drawcard for the pub?
Having sports broadcast is certainly a key drawcard for the Hotel. The Hotel is a great place to have a cool drink and watch a variety of sports. In winter, the Rugby league creates a lot of interest. There are games on Friday night as well as Saturday and Sunday. The races on Sky Channel attract a different type of clientele. Generally the mid week punters come into the Hotel for a bet but they usually do not have a drink. The weekend punters are different, as they usually spend in other areas of the Hotel.
Similarly, is the TAB an important feature of your pub?
The TAB is an important part of the business, though it costs a lot of money to operate. The hotel has to fund everything, including the staffing and all of the stationary. Another huge expense is supplying Sky Channel, which is imperative for the venue to show horse racing. Basically, the TAB runs at a financial loss for the Hotel. Though if you do not have it the punters will go elsewhere.
The Melbourne Cup is a huge day for all Hotels. It is really the only time that the TAB is worthwile.
Do you host special events for big games or races?
Big sporting events also create interest at the Hotel. The Soccer and Rugby World Cups, when the time zones suit, create a lot of interest. We often open early or close later for various sporting groups. As you know, it is a lot more fun watching sport with a group.
Sports in pubs and the TAB - worth it?
Another thing that has changed over the years, is the entry of Foxtel / Austar into the domestic market. Years ago, a lot of sports were only available for viewing in licensed premises. Now we pay about $1500.00 per month to get the sports channels and about $2000.00 for Sky Channel where you get them and a lot more at home for about $100.00.
So is it worth it? NO - But, if you do not have it, they will go somewhere that does.
TP.
DM.
Do you think having sports broadcast is a key drawcard for the pub?
I think going to the pub for sports events is more about the atmosphere more so than drinking aspect its the closest to being there without being there. The banter between people of same and oppositions team. When game is being played little drinking happens. The bets on footy is more to spice it up. The tab brings in a huge amount of revenue and I believe aus as a whole has a massive love of betting.
The TAB?
Now you'd be struggling to find a pub without a tab - it's become an integral part to a pub.
Does the hotel host sporting events?
We had a Socceroos breakfast that broadcast the Australian games in the World cup. We don't do it often. We should but we don't.
And the atmosphere in general?
Also not everyone can afford foxtel but most hotels have it . The betting aspect on horses and greyhounds again is the closest people can get without being there. The banter with other punters etc.
