Nillumbik councillor wants alcohol banned before council meetings
An open-bar policy at Nillumbik Council is on the rocks after a teetotalling councillor controversially called to ban alcohol before meetings and at official events. But the idea has hit a nerve, with one colleague vowing to “bring his own” plonk if it’s outlawed.
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A Nillumbik councillor is pushing for a booze ban before council meetings, claiming drinks at dinner are “impacting on decision-making”.
But Cr Peter Clarke’s motion was unpopular among some of his peers, who hit back saying they were “responsible enough” to handle their liquor.
Cr Clarke said some of his colleagues were knocking back “a few” glasses of wine and beer at their ratepayer-funded dinners before council meetings — and would then later “indulge further”.
“Council has had an open-bar policy for many years and it’s always been a bit unusual to me,” he said.
“As governance demands higher standards I’m taking the view there should be no alcohol before council meetings.”
Cr Clarke, who also wants alcohol banned at all other council events, said alcohol for councillors was an “inappropriate” way to spend ratepayers’ money.
“It’s just not necessary — if you want a drink then bring it yourself,” he said.
“It’s difficult, I am arguing a case that does not directly impact on me as I am not a drinker of alcohol, but I was hoping others would have taken the lead.
“I’m not looking to be popular, I just want to do the right thing — it’s about good governance and transparency.”
But Cr Peter Perkins said Cr Clarke’s notice of motion was a “non-issue”.
“Over dinner two or three councillors will typically have a glass of red and that’s all,” he said.
“Over the principle, I’ll continue to have a drink — whether it’s supported by the rest of council or not — I’ll bring my own if I have to.”
Cr John Dumaresq said a bottle of wine among half a dozen councillors would be the most alcohol consumed before a council meeting.
“We’re all adults and can decide what we want to do," he said.
Port Phillip and Monash councils are already drink-free before meetings, while Mornington Peninsula Shire banned booze before, during and after council briefings in 2016.
City of Melbourne came under fire after an investigation into sexual harassment claims against Lord Mayor Robert Doyle found $4522.19 was spent on beverages in 2017 at the councillors’ weekly dinners.
It followed allegations Mr Doyle sexually harassed two councillors at Town Hall after consuming red wine.
City of Melbourne has since banned booze before meetings — “limited service of alcohol” is available afterwards, but is “closely monitored” by staff trained in the Responsible Service of Alcohol.
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Nillumbik Mayor Karen Egan said she would prefer not to comment until Cr Clarke’s notice of motion was officially listed as an agenda item at the next council meeting.
The Leader has asked Nillumbik Council how much it had spent on alcohol in the past three years, but is yet to receive a response.