Sports clubs are set to take a financial ''hammering'' from new drink-drive laws, with most now offering low-alcohol beer and others buying breathalysers.
New drink-drive laws were introduced at the start of the month, dropping the alcohol limit by nearly half for most drivers.
Sporting Clubs Association of New Zealand chief executive Bob Clark, of Dunedin, said sports clubs needed to act quickly in recognition of the fact the drinking culture had changed dramatically in recent times, with the lowering of drink-drive levels just the latest change.
''The days of staying open until midnight and then people driving home have long gone,'' he said.
''These days, most guys will come in after the game, have a couple of drinks and then go home. Clubs will be closed by 7pm most nights.''
Clark said clubs had to realise people did not want to risk going over the new drink-drive limit and, as a result, bar takings were going to drop.
''In the past, people used to have two or three jugs and then go home. Now they may have one glass and go home. Financially, it is going to hammer clubs. They need to start thinking outside the square.''
He said some golf clubs were considering buying breathalysers to see whether patrons were under the limit before driving. Many clubs had decided to offer low-alcohol beer and started doing deals with taxi firms.
''Costs are just going up all the time. Now we have to have a licence controller's qualification for someone at the club. They don't differentiate between a sports club and a major hotel. And it all costs money.''
St Clair Golf Club sales and marketing co-ordinator Phillipa Calvert said the club had introduced a lower-strength beer on tap and it was proving popular with members.
She said it was too early to predict the impact on the club's finances but logic would suggest bar takings would go down.
''If people are coming in and just buying one jug or even just a glass of beer compared to when they used to have two or three jugs, then it must impact on the club.''
The club had considered getting a courtesy coach but was now looking at supplying taxis to members, although nothing had been confirmed.
Green Island Cricket Club president John Moyle said it was difficult to know what players could have to drink and still be under the drink-drive limit.
''When a guy comes in after a long day playing cricket, who knows how much he is allowed to drink? We want to show some responsibility but it is hard and you can't advise him,'' Moyle said.
He said clubs would take a financial hit on selling the lower-strength beer, as the margins were not as big.
Bowls Dunedin chairman Geoff Hanna said many bowling clubs were now serving low-alcohol beer. There was a great awareness among members of the new drink-drive laws.
North East Valley Bowling Club club manager Terry Scott said the club had put some low-alcohol beers on tap and had talked about buying a courtesy coach, but no decision had been made.
Dunedin Rugby Football Club chairman Lee Piper said the club had always provided transport for players and also served low-alcohol beer in stubbies.
The club had three courtesy vans and put on a bus when a major club event was held.
