Media Release

Drinking fees soak up cash Small clubs hit with an unsporting `tax grab'

YARRA Ranges sporting clubs are struggling to meet increased State Government fees introduced to address alcohol-fuelled violence across the city's high-risk venues.

Several venues have seen liquor licence hikes as high as 305 per cent since January 1 under new laws aimed at improving safety in, and around, troubled night spots.

State Government spokesman Chris Owner said new fees relied on a risk-based model that would see high-risk venues pay more.

He said smaller venues had the opportunity to have the new fees waived under the discretion of the director of liquor licensing.

But Mooroolbark Bowls Club administrative director Hans Nhyuis said he had written to Premier John Brumby after suffering a 305 per cent rise to more than $700. He said he did not think the waived fee option applied to the club.

Mr Nhyuis said the money had been taken out of club funds that would have been used to improve the 30-year-old club.

``The average drinker would be in their 50s; I can't remember the last time a punch was thrown,'' Mr Nhyuis said.

Kilsyth Cricket Club president Mark Unternahrer said its fees had gone from $90 to $400, which meant junior teams would miss out on new T-shirts this year.

``It just doesn't justify that much; if we have $500 in the bank at the end of the year it's been a good year,'' Mr Unternahrer said.

Mooroolbark Football Club secretary David West said it was slapped with an increase from $90 to $370 and the amount of work involved in applying for a concession was ``ridiculous''. He said the extra money could have been used to improve club rooms.

Kilsyth state Liberal MP David Hodgett described the change as ``nothing more than a tax grab''.

``These clubs have no history of violent behaviour or trouble, and are integral parts of the local community,'' Mr Hodgett said.

But Mr Owner said there had been consultation with the community and industry that had clearly demonstrated widespread support for the change.

Is your sports club affected by the higher liquor licence fees? Have your say at lilydaleleader.com.au