Football fans stage matchday bar boycott
BBCFans of a Surrey football club are to boycott their own matchday bar as a row over takings continues.
Supporters of Walton And Hersham FC claim its current deal with the local council and Places Leisure, the respective owners and operators of its stadium in Walton-on-Thames, means the club doesn't get a penny from the bar's takings.
The newly promoted National League South side's co-owner, Calogero Scannella, previously said not being able to benefit financially from home game food or drink sales was hitting the side hard.
A spokesperson for Places Leisure said the revenue from the bar contributes to "all associated costs" it incurs for a range of events at the stadium.
Elmbridge Borough Council has been contacted for comment.
The main boycott will be staged at the club's home game against Dorking Wanderers on August 29, with unofficial bar boycotts also mooted for other clashes, such as the one against Dagenham and Redbridge on 18 August.
Mick Moriarty, chair of the supporters' club, said Places Leisure "make an absolute fortune" from the bar at home games, of which Walton And Hersham FC "does not get a penny".
He added that those sales that have "increased significantly every season with our continued increases in attendance."
And, with greater success bringing with it higher costs, such as paying players and staff, the side could miss out on eventual promotion to the Football League "if such barriers to commercial sustainability remain in place", he said.
Walton And Hersham FC made headlines in 2019 when a group of young fans took overship of the club, which was about to be relegated to the 10th tier in English football.
The club has since enjoyed a series of promotions - and massive exposure on social media - and will play in the sixth tier this season.
A Places Leisure spokesperson said Walton And Hersham FC hires the use of the Xcel Sports Hub (its home ground), which is also used for "a range of events and users, not just football".
"We are responsible for its operation and incur all associated costs, including staffing, utilities, cleaning and maintenance.
"The revenue from the bar contributes towards these costs," they added.
"Prices have increased incrementally in line with inflation and rising operating and staff costs, yet they are generally lower than those at other venues in the area.
"We will continue to support the club's growth while balancing the needs of all users of the site."
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