THE AFL has asked its clubs for feedback on a policy to promote the responsible use of alcohol.

A draft policy created by the league and the AFL players' association will be sent to all clubs, with input also being sought from national drug and alcohol experts.

“The AFL, the Players' Association and our clubs understand that we have a responsibility to promote responsible drinking within the AFL and among the 16 clubs, the players and staff," league football operations manager Adrian Anderson said.

"This has been a work in progress for almost two years and the next step is to provide the draft version of the AFL Framing Policy to our key stakeholders for their views.

"The guidelines within the AFL Framing Policy will provide a framework for AFL clubs to assist them in developing their own individual club responsible alcohol policies, and provide leadership for other football leagues below the AFL."

Anderson said the AFL Framing Policy listed a set of objectives for both players and club staff, including the development of approaches for responsible consumption, effective pathways for treatment of alcohol-related problems, creating responsible drinking cultures and using player-welfare-oriented and education-based approaches to promote responsible alcohol consumption.

The AFLPA called the draft policy an “important milestone” in an effort to promote the responsible use of alcohol throughout the sport.

“We know that to a degree, traditionally alcohol has been misused by players from time to time,” AFLPA CEO Brendon Gale said.

“The AFLPA, AFL and clubs are fully aware of our responsibilities to provide a safe working

environment for our players. The draft policy provides four principles for a club’s alcohol policy to satisfy, providing a clear and unambiguous message to players, clubs and club staff.”

Feedback is to be received from clubs by the end of May.