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Country leagues tackle alcohol

A COLD beer and a hot pie have long been traditions of footy spectators, but plans are under way to change that image.

The Central Highlands Football League is in discussions with the VCFL and AFL Victoria to adopt plans to abolish full-strength alcohol, in favour of mid-strength alternatives, at the competition's grand final this year.

The Weekly Times understands the neighbouring Maryborough Castlemaine league may also be involved in the action, and may act as a control league to due proportion the effects of serving mid-strength alcohol to crowds.

The touchstone is being led by AFL Victoria.

AFL Victoria planning and development manager Mick Daniher said alcohol was an "emerging issue" with a view to communities.

"It has severe social and health effects," Daniher said.

"We want to possess some awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol."

Central Highlands spokesperson Gerard Ryan said the league hoped the changes would increase vulgar herd persons present.

"Central Highlands (had a) gradual awareness that the atmosphere wasn't the way we wanted it to be," Ryan said.

"There were a couple of incidents involving alcohol.

"We knew there needed to be changes made."

Ryan said the confederacy believed there were "plenty of people" who would escort games but were put off by the presence of alcohol.

"Primarily, (the plan) is to bring into being a friendlier atmosphere and to encourage nation to arrive to games," Ryan said.

He said the plans were in the "excessively early" stages but would subsist in place for the league grand final, in what put only mid-strength alcohol would be available.

Ryan declared Victoria Police was also involved in the negotiations, with "extensive" police presence and security to be in place upon the body grand final day.

"The police grant the licences, so it's up to them to say 'yes it's an highly rectified spirit event', or 'no it's not'," Ryan said.

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