Are they bowling clubs or watering holes?

If the battle between bowling clubs and the police around liquor licensing continues it could prove fatal for many of New Zealand's bowling clubs.

Speaking on the Mike Hosking Breakfast, Bowls New Zealand boss Mark Cameron says that the income clubs earn from running their bars is vital.

"So the average turnover for a bowling club would be about around $120,000 of that, should we say, sixty to seventy thousand dollars would be coming through the bar."

Bowling clubs in Wellington hit the headlines recently after police cracked down on renewing their liquor licenses.

LISTEN ABOVE AS MARK CAMERON SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING