A proposal by the Greens political party to ban liquor industry sponsorship of local not-for-profit sporting and social clubs has been called "un-Australian" and completely unfounded.
Clubs WA is urging the government to dismiss the proposed ban, saying the limited funding currenlty received is necessary to support the network of community organisations.
"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," Clubs WA executive director Peter Seaman said.
"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.
There are 65,000 volunteers in clubs across Australia.
Mr Seaman added that current funding did 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.
"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," said Mr Seaman said.
