The league is waiting on feedback from all clubs about the planned charge but chief executive officer Mike Farrow revealed four clubs had already responded in support of the move.

Farrow said the league was trying to create an equalising impact on clubs chosen to host finals and those that missed out.

“If someone gets two finals in two years the other clubs will still benefit because there is a contribution back to the league to run the league for all clubs,” he said.

Clubs have argued that if they are paying a fee, they should be free to sell whatever food and drinks they choose, as opposed to being restricted to items not sold by a commercial operator.

Farrow said he had met with league sponsor and long-time food van operator McCarthy Catering about the proposal.

“We met with McCarthy Catering and as long as clubs sell the same product at the same price as him, he is happy with it,” he said.

“It’s an even playing field for everyone. Frank McCarthy didn’t hesitate to say why not bring it in this year.”

Farrow said the league executive would meet on Monday to finalise arrangements for the finals series. He hoped all clubs would have responded to the proposed fee by then.

Farrow said the finer points of the charge would be discussed next week, including whether clubs may have a choice to pay the fee if they are happy to be restricted to certain items.

The decision to introduce the fee comes two weeks after The Standard reported the league was considering it. 

But at that time league president Hugh Worrall said nothing would be introduced this year.