Last month, council took over management of the Rutherglen Wine Experience and Information Centre, previously run by Rutherglen Wine Centre Board.
For more than a decade, wine was sold on the premises under a liquor licence held by Destination Rutherglen.
At last Tuesday’s meeting, councillors voted 4-2 rejecting the continuation of wine sales, deciding not to apply for a liquor licence.
Councillor Bernard Gaffney raised concerns about councillors being responsible for the sale of wine.
“I have no interest in entering the booze industry thank you,” he said.
“If Indigo Shire Council applied for a licence, councillors would be held responsible. There would also have to be a person on premises in effective control. That would be a member of Indigo Shire staff which I think causes further issues.
“Indigo Shire ranks above the state average when it comes to drinking and that puts residents at a level of risk. I don’t think we as a council should add to that.”
Councillor James Trenery agreed that Indigo Shire Council should not sell alcohol.
“There are other ways of supporting the wine industry and promoting the sales of wine rather than taking on the responsibility of selling bottles of wine to people,” Cr Trenery said.
Meanwhile, Councillor Barbara Murdoch wished to defer the decision remarking that council should seek advice from local winemakers.
“I’m not totally happy about doing this without consulting the winemakers. They may have a better proposition to help because the wine is Rutherglen,” Cr Murdoch said.
However, Cr Gaffney disagreed with her statement.
“Rutherglen is a lot more than just wine. It has got so much more to offer. It has heritage and culture and I think it’s just a great town to live and work and a great tourist attraction for this shire,” he said.
Cr Gaffney was supported by councillors Diane Shepheard, Sophie Price and James Trenery while Cr Barbara Murdoch and Mayor Jenny O’Connor voted against not applying for a liquor licence.
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