Organisers of Bright's Iconic Rod Run have been left disappointed that there will be no alcohol allowed at the event for a second year.
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While not appearing at Tuesday's meeting in person because of the need for social distancing, Bright Rod and Kustom Club secretary Tracey Pawlik sent a letter asking for the decision to be delayed because they had only been told it would be discussed at the council a week earlier.
"The Bright Rod and Kustom Club absolutely implore you not to impose a blanket alcohol ban across the CBD of Bright during the rod run and instead reinstate the 8.30pm to midnight ban," she said.
"Alternatively can we please delay making a decision until it can be discussed with you directly."
But Alpine Council's assets director Will Jeremy said the club had been told back in March that councillors would be making a decision, and mayor Peter Roper said "there has been plenty of communication" so a decision was made.
Only Cr Daryl Pearce voted against the alcohol ban.
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Cr Tony Keeble said the Brighter Days and Katy Perry concert events in Bright were alcohol-free and still did well, and he called the ban "sensible restrictions on alcohol on what is a very busy weekend and a family-orientated weekend".
Bright's Iconic Rod Run will be held on the first weekend in November, as long as the coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Cr Kitty Knappstein said it was not a surprise the council wanted the alcohol ban for a second year.
She had coronavirus restrictions on her mind when casting her vote.
"I know there are some people are are disappointed, but there are so many more that have supported this," she said.
"Given we're talking about events and how things might look in the future, much as it would be lovely to go back to the way we were, we don't know what impacts there are going to be on these larger events.
"Certainly the control on alcohol is going in play in favour of what the added restrictions might be - we don't know what they are, we don't know the answers, but I'm just thinking things are going to look a little different for a while."
Much as it would be lovely to go back to the way we were, we don't know what impacts there are going to be on these larger events.
- Cr Kitty Knappstein
Any venues that want an exemption to allow drinking on public land in a certain area during the event have been told they can apply to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
Cr Ron Janas said this was why the council's decision was made seven months before the event.
"Now is the time to commence that process because it does take time to get through all the various departments. I'd encourage them that if that's what they want to do, go ahead and do that," he said.
There was also a community meeting in December to gauge public opinion.
"We're looking at what has happened previously and trying to make it a better event as we go along for everybody concerned," Cr Janas said.
"Let's see that we can make it a bigger and better event for everyone concerned."