Hunter Valley cellar doors slugged with extra fee

The scheme – introduced on July 1 – is designed to tax problem venues such as late night trading hotels and clubs whose patrons have been associated with anti-social behaviour and alcohol abuse.

A minimum annual fee of $500 will apply for all liquor license holders, with loading fees added for large, late night or violent venues.

Millbrook Estate owner John Lyons said while it is a good policy initiative, he doesn’t believe cellar doors should have to pay for a problem they don’t contribute to.

“Most cellar doors close at 5pm and don’t have a problem with binge drinking,” Mr. Lyons said.

“Millbrook Estate has been licensed since early 2000 and has never had a single incident.

“Our patrons are responsible people who appreciate the relaxed environment the Hunter Valley offers.

“We should not have to contribute to pay for policing businesses that trade late.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr labelled the new charge a ‘cash grab’.

“You just don’t come across those sorts of problems at wineries and cellar doors,” Mr. Barr said.

“There’s two-to-three hundred cellar doors across the state; that’s up to $150,000 from a group of people who aren’t contributing to the problem.”

Mr. Barr has made representations to Minister for Hospitality, Troy Grant, to have the fee overturned.

Along with the new fee, cellar doors also have to pay an annual administration charge of $390 to Cessnock City Council, plus an inspection fee of $163, under the NSW Food Standards Code.

The council charge covers onsite and online training, identification and registration of premises, maintenance of databases, food safety incentives and environmental health food projects.

Mr. Lyons said these fees and charges only add to the pressure that the wine industry already faces, from production costs and competing with imports.

“It’s time this unfair taxing of our industry was stopped,” Mr. Lyons said.

“Without cellar doors wine tourism would fall over.”