Council urged to explain stance on alcohol signs
By Iliana Stillitano
Fairfield Champion, Wed 17 Oct 07

FAIRFIELD councillor Thang Ngo has called on Fairfield Council to clarify its rules about advertising on public land after a council-owned rugby league field was ringed with sponsorship signs promoting alcohol.

The call comes after Cabramatta Rugby League Club ignored a council policy to seek approval to erect advertising signs when it put up sponsor Jim Beam "the spirit of rugby league" signs around Cabramatta Sports Ground during the recent Jim Beam Cup competition.

Picture: Elliott Housego, Fairfield Champion

League club president Charles McNeill said the club was meeting its contractual arrangement with its major sponsor.

He dismissed a claim by Cr Ngo that the signs would encourage children who use the field to drink alcohol.

In June, Cr Ngo asked the council if it was aware that the sports ground it leases to the club was "littered" with advertising for Jim Beam whisky at a time when the council had made a stand against tobacco and banned smoking in its parks and sports fields.

Cr Ngo said he was advised last week that the Jim Beam signs had been removed.

Mr McNeill said the club wasn't directed by the council to remove the signs.

"The competition has finished for the year and we have taken the signs down for that reason," he said.

Mr McNeill said he was upset Cr Ngo singled out his club when neighbouring Mounties had also displayed similar signage at its field.

Mounties Group chief Greg Pickering confirmed signs were put up around Mount Pritchard Oval, which is the home ground for Mounties Jim Beam Cup team.

"Mounties corporate partners have indicated a wish to also support local sports by way of placing advertising panels around the club's security fence around the oval," Mr Pickering said.

"The funds that Mounties, and our corporate partners, has invested is vital in supporting local sports. Without this funding, Mount Pritchard Oval would not be in the premium condition it is today."

Cr Ngo said it was important the council define what was acceptable signage.

"We're not getting a say in what is put up and yet council is responsible for the grounds," Cr Ngo said.