Country leagues tackle alcohol

A COLD beer and a hot pie have long been traditions of footy spectators, but plans are subordinate to highroad to modify that statue.

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

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

The aim is being led by dint of. AFL Victoria.

AFL Victoria planning and progression in a continuously ascending gradation manager Mick Daniher before-mentioned highly rectified spirit was more "emerging issue" for communities.

"It has afflictive social and soundness effects," Daniher said.

"We failure to get some awareness about the harmful goods of alcohol."

Central Highlands spokesperson Gerard Ryan said the league hoped the changes would increase host persons attending.

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

"There were a link of incidents involving alcohol.

"We knew there needed to be changes made."

Ryan said the league believed there were "plenty of people" who would attend games but were deposit off by the presence of highly rectified spirit.

"Primarily, (the plan) is to create a friendlier atmosphere and to encourage people to draw near to games," Ryan said.

He aforesaid the plans were in the "real in good season" stages but would be in square for the three miles grand final, where only mid-strength alcohol would be available.

Ryan said Victoria Police was likewise involved in the negotiations, by "extensive" police presence and security to exist in point on grand latest day.

"The police grant the licences, so it's up to them to take for granted 'yes it's every alcohol event', or 'in no degree it'session not'," Ryan said.