Indigo Shire councillors voted in October 2019 to approve extended opening hours at Billson's Brewery on Last and Williams streets, and to play music at the venue's cafe, tasting room and whisky lounge.

The changes allowed for alcohol to be sold, served and consumed for longer periods.

The latest the venue would stay open until was 8.30pm.

The historic site is surrounded by houses, and a group of residents took their objections to the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The tribunal recently heard the residents were concerned by noise and antisocial behaviour in the area, especially as attendees left Billson's.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Concerned were raised that "extended operation hours would only make the situation worse".

Council staff argued that the changes struck the right balance between legitimate business operations and amenity concerns of those who live nearby.

Those behind the business note a large financial investment had been made to restore the site's heritage buildings and noted its success as a tourist attraction for the town.

But VCAT member Mary-Anne Taranto said while it was a difficult decision, the proposal was not acceptable.

"Proposed changes to the site's operating conditions would extend off-site amenity impacts whose management cannot be effectively guaranteed with the certainty warranted to avoid an unacceptable loss of residential amenity," she said.

"These disbenefits are not outweighed by the proposal's potential economic benefits."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: