Alcohol will not be supplied to Dubbo Regional Council staff and councillors after events such as council meetings, after councillor John Ryan put a stop to the practice on Monday night with the support of his colleagues.

Instead, it will only be provided for civic receptions and other approved functions.

“I think the main thing is that the community doesn’t need the perception that after council meetings we’re just going back there and grogging on the ratepayer dollar,” Cr Ryan said.

A variety of beer, wine and soft drinks are available to Orange City Council staff and councillors after bimonthly Tuesday meetings, which can finish as late as 11pm.

Dinner is also provided and the combined catering bill costs the council more than $12,800 annually.

Councillor Scott Munro, who sometimes opts for a glass of wine, did not have a problem with the practice. 

He said several councillors, including himself, finished work at 6pm and did not have time for dinner before meetings started at 7pm.  

“I’ve got to rush home, have a shower and put my suit on,” he said.

“Some people go without tea until 10 or 11 o’clock at night – I don’t mind that, but I wouldn’t begrudge anyone a drink.”

He pointed out the wine was from the region and dismissed Dubbo’s decision, saying “I think they’re wowsers”.

“We’re all responsible adults,” he said.

Councillor Tony Mileto, who chooses not to drink after meetings, also did not object.

“Certainly there’s no councillors I’ve seen drink more than one glass and not all of them drink,” he said. 

“There’s no heavy consumption.”