BEER tents at school fetes have come under attack from parents and alcohol counsellors for sending a bad message to children about drinking.

Hundreds of schools statewide, including many in the Far North, have been issued special permits to sell grog at fetes and other events such as trivia nights as fundraisers for parents and citizens groups.

Kuranda District State College P&C's move to allow the sale of alcohol at its fete and official opening in August has ignited controversy, with Addiction Help Agency director and Cairns Regional councillor Di Forsyth condemning the decision.

"It's not what a school fete is all about," Cr Forsyth told The Cairns Post.

"School fetes are about having fun with the family and selling alcohol defeats the purpose of the event."

Kuranda parent Jax Bergersen said the furore surrounding binge drinking and the launch of the nation's first long-term campaign to influence generational change towards responsible consumption of alcohol were reason enough to ban alcohol being sold at the school for any events.

"Those parents who can't stay away from the alcohol for a few hours will be able to buy a drink at our kids' school fete and official opening," Ms Bergersen said. "What kind of message is this giving to our children?"

But Kuranda P&C president Chris Bullen said only two people were against selling alcohol at the August 24 event when it was discussed at a recent meeting of about 20 people.

The school will use the proceeds of the sale of alcohol to raise money for sporting equipment, outdoor storage and sheds.

Queensland Council of P&C Associations Peninsula Region president Margaret Leary said it was up to each school to
decide whether to sell alcohol and the school’s P&C committee had voted on the issue.

She neither supported nor disapproved of the sale of booze on school property and said strict regulations protected the schools and students.

"Some schools decide not to and others decide it's a good way to boost money," Ms Leary said.

Liquor Licensing has issued 407 special permits across the state this year allowing the sale of alcohol on school grounds for one-off events such as fetes and trivia nights.

The permits require the organisers to donate all proceeds to charity and meet strict requirements including security and responsible service codes.

A spokeswoman for Education Minister Rod Welford said the supply of alcohol at school fundraising events was a decision for individual P&Cs and their school communities.

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