Yamba Bowling Club’s increase in revenue over the first half of the financial year has prompted the club to pass some of the benefits back to its members and patrons. The Yamba Bowling Club’s board has resolved to absorb the latest CPI (consumer price index) rise associated with federal excise duty on alcohol, something it hasn’t done over the past five years. Excise rates on alcohol are indexed twice a year, in line with the CPI – generally on February1 and August 1. The excise (charged by the litre) varies dependent on percentage of alcohol content and container volume. A media release from the club states that “the latest rise has seen the [excise] … rise to $34.21 per litre of alcohol [contained] in a standard keg of beer; in most cases, venues have no choice but to pass these taxes on to the consumer in the form of higher prices”. The club’s president, Ian Lauder, said the club has had an “extremely successful trading year so far”. “The board felt the best way to pass on some of this success to everyone was via cheaper prices over the bar,” he said. “The club traded very strongly during the January school holidays, especially after the introduction of the new leisure centre.” Chief executive officer Phil Boughton said the leisure centre had broadened the club’s customer base. “We are seeing much greater visitation from both visiting and local families, which has resulted in significant growth in food and beverage trading,” he said. “It’s fabulous to be in a position where we can share the club’s success with the members through absorbing increased costs from the federal excise. “The club is currently well ahead of budget predictions and expects to report a healthy profit to members at the end of the financial year.” The new ‘Bowlo Leisure Centre’ opened in December and features four lanes of ten pin bowling, a 15 metre traverse climbing wall, soft play area and 18 holes of mini golf.