Landlords are ditching Sky according to figures released by one industry body.
Research by the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) reveals that 20 per cent of its members have cancelled Sky contracts since 2003, reports the Morning Advertiser.
Speaking to the news provider, Nick Bish, chief executive of the ALMR, said: "If the price of lager since 1996 had risen at the same rate as pub Sky subscriptions, we would currently be paying over £9 for a pint.
"Sky is holding our local pubs to ransom."
However, Sky has denied that there has been a significant drop in the number of pub subscriptions and states that is has frozen charges to boost landlords.
Meanwhile, the Cain Beer Company is still in administration as a buyer for the brewery is sought.
The Campaign for Real Ale has offered its support to anyone who is willing to take over the firm and keep it in production.
