Clubs received a letter from the office of the Minister of Consumer Affairs last spring detailing the Government's new risk-based liquor licensing fee structure "to ensure that venues that contribute the most to alcohol-related harm pay higher licence fees".

The letter, seen by the Journal, states that under the new fee structure, licences considered lower risk or supplying liquor on a limited scale - such as local sporting clubs - would pay a lower base fee of $397. The annual fee for most clubs in 2009 was only $98.70.

Melbourne Winter Baseball League administrator David Rice said the $298.30 increase meant clubs would lose a main source of income and possibly be forced to cut players due to a lack of money.

"I can't see the justification in it. I think we all understand and appreciate that there are concerns in the community through excess alcohol use, but I just don't think it's fair that we're being punished because of it.

"The alternative is to not apply for a licence so you save yourself $400, but then we're all working illegally outside the state laws."

Mr Rice said clubs that weren't causing alcohol-fuelled violence were bearing the brunt of those that were.

"[Maroondah] Council insists we all do responsible serving of alcohol courses and we adhere to that as much as possible simply because we're trying to protect our club and our sport.

"But we'll have to put the fees up to our members - the cost of prices in the canteen and the cost of our memberships. We pay to play and [the players] won't be happy either. They will turn to other sports that they may consider cheaper.

"We just think it's unfair to punish small, suburban, amateur clubs to raise revenue on the ills of what's happening in King Street [central Melbourne]."

Ringwood Saints Baseball Club treasurer Paul Tyndall said the club had never been subject to a complaint by neighbouring residents for alcohol-affected noise or violence.

"In terms of the way our structure is, it's the canteen that drives most of the profit to our club.

"The membership fees really don't even cover the ground hire or administration fees we pay, so that's break even or a loss situation."

Kilsyth MP David Hodgett called the fee hike a "tax grab" that hit clubs without a "history of violent behaviour or trouble".

The State Government did not return the Journal's inquiries before deadline.