06 Mar 2009
The Greens proposal to ban liquor industry sponsorship of not-for-profit local community clubs is “unaustralian” and completely unfounded.
Clubs WA Executive Director, Peter Seaman said “Any proposal to outlaw liquor industry funding should be related to product placement or rebate schemes that directly affect the buyer’s choice and relates to binge drinking”.
Sponsorship of the local sports team is a historic gesture offered by most local businesses and one that clubs depend on. Funding does not relate to liquor product placement – where licensees are required to display and promote alcoholic beverages or receive rebates on the amount of alcohol consumed by patrons.
“Clubs are the fabric of the community, a family friendly safe environment to socially interact or play sport. Any cut to funding for these clubs, could very well cut the fabric holding the community together” Mr Seaman said.
There are 65,000 volunteers in clubs across Australia. The limited funding currently received is absolutely necessary to support the network of these valued members of our community.
“A decline of sporting programs due to lack of funding could result in greater problems for the Western Australian community, such as childhood obesity, regional isolation and a myriad of mental issues related to a lack of social interaction” Mr Seaman said.
Clubs WA urges the Government to dismiss the proposed ban on the liquor industries genuine support for sporting and social clubs.
For further information contact Clubs WA on 9312 1655.