THE Victorian Government has bowed to pressure over liquor licensing fees and will change laws that were hurting vignerons.
A change in the licensing system will now make it cheaper for vignerons to get temporary liquor permits.
Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson said winemakers who held vignerons or renewable limited licences would now be allowed to attend 12 markets each year by obtaining a $90.50 temporary permit.
Previously they could only attend three markets each year and then had to apply for a temporary permit for each additional market.
"We've made it easier and cheaper for winemakers to get permits to sell their wines at farmers markets because we recognise markets across the state are important outlets, especially for boutique and start-up wineries," Mr Robinson said.
The move follows calls from the wine industry and country licensees.
Earlier this year Mr Robinson vowed to review licences for country pubs.
Member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper, said the change to fees for vignerons was a success, but that concerns remained for community sporting clubs, small pubs, stores and holiday parks.
