Clubs swallow new drink laws

By Callan Date
FOOTBALL finals in Berwick will go ahead as planned despite concerns over the introduction of strict new liquor licensing laws.
An urgent meeting was held between Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League (MPNFL), Casey Council and Berwick Football Club (BFC) officials along with Narre Warren Police yesterday (Wednesday) to discuss the problems encountered during last Saturday’s event.
Crowd numbers were well down for the first final at Edwin Flack Reserve as a strong police and Casey Council presence enforced strict new liquor licensing by-laws.
Seven fans were smacked with fines after drinking in designated dry areas while many more were bemused at the tough restrictions.
However, a compromise was found during the meeting and initial problems were ironed out.
MPNFL general manager Ian Benson said the meeting “was very amicable”.
“We talked through the issues and all parties are going to work closely together,” Mr Benson said.
He said the issues faced in week one of the finals was a result of a few teething problems and a lack of communication.
Pakenham was touted as a potential replacement venue before BFC officials decided to go ahead as host of the event.
BFC president Peter Jensen said the club had committed almost $30,000 to host the finals.
Narre Warren Senior Sergeant Gerry Hengel said the liquor licensing laws had been changed for the better.
He said the new licence in operation had the advantage of minimising underage drinking.
“As far as the police are concerned, last Saturday went very well and there was no crowd or patron issues other than the seven people who were fined,” he said.