Australia racing could take big hit

Australian sport could be hit by a US$240 million blow if a blueprint to fight disease that would bring an end to alcohol sponsorship is introduced.

Cricket Australia, the Australian Football League, the National Rugby League and Australian Rugby Union would all be robbed of millions of dollars in sponsorship and advertising revenue under the scheme.

According to a report commissioned by the government, alcohol-related disease cost the state more than US$12 billion last year.

The government-backed taskforce is also calling for an end to alcohol advertising on the internet and in youth magazines, while pub opening hours could be reduced.

[Editor's Note: How long before the USA bans alcohol advertising in sports because of all the drunk driving deaths each year – drunk drivers, not only killing themselves, but innocent victims when they hit them head-on?]