SPORTS clubs in York area could be left substantially out of pocket if a planned hike in alcohol licensing fees goes ahead.

New rules relating to the way alcohol is sold across the country are due to be introduced in April next year when the 11pm standard closing time is abolished among other reforms.

But strict new conditions of licenses handed out to bars and pubs will mean sports clubs having to shell out more than 50 times the amount they do at present.

Instead of the nominal annual charge for a licence set at around £5, it will cost clubs anything from £80 to £500 to apply for the new licence, with an annual fee of between £40 and £225 thereafter. Such a massive hike will soak up any profits made, and could even push some of the smaller clubs beyond the break-even line.

This will mean at best less money to plough into coaching opportunities and new equipment, and, at worst, could spell the end for smaller clubs.

This is the latest charge laid at the doors of sports clubs after the rates controversy in recent years.

York and District Sports Federation member Chris Houseman, who is also the chairman of York Cricket Club, which is based at Clifton Park with York Rugby Union Club, said: "We manage to break even more or less, so this will be directionally making it more difficult for us to create any surpluses to put away for other things.

"The message is that it is a substantially increased cost imposed without any explanatory reasoning. The problems in the world of alcohol are not located in sports clubs, they are created in the vast drinking emporia and avenues that local authorities have given permission for.

"We struggle to make a profit as it is. This is putting not-for-profit community sports clubs in the same bracket as nightclubs even though they don't open seven days a week.

"Most clubs do not have much money because if they have any, they are spending it. It's just another cost for clubs to contend with.

"What people are fed up of is having so many things thrust upon them to survive. There's no wonder that people are less willing to step forward these days."

The Central Council of Physical Recreation has hit out at the proposed charges.

Chairman Howard Wells said: "The proposed fees for sports clubs are in danger of sucking the lifeblood out of voluntary sector sport and recreation.

"With current government strategy for sport focusing on increasing the number of people participating in physical activity and boosting the number of people volunteering, the announcement seems even more nonsensical.

"I urge the government to take action to ensure that voluntary sports clubs are not penalised unjustly by these fees."

A talk with a leading member of the York licensing authority is planned for next month.

Put your case

A consultation is currently under way and clubs can air their views by emailing

feesconsultation@culture.gsi.gov.uk or writing to The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Policy Branch, Tourism Division, 3rd Floor, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5DH by December 23.

Updated: 11:05 Tuesday, November 09, 2004