A southern Tasmanian councillor has been cautioned for bringing his council into "disrepute" by opening a pizza shop without the correct permits.Councillor Belcher said he was aware there was "some form" he had to complete in regards to opening his pizza business
Two months later, Cr Belcher was issued an infringement notice for "operating a food business that is not registered as a food business", with environmental health officer David Bradford further alleging he had failed to comply with the Building Act 2016. He told the panel he had noticed "a degree of frustration" being exhibited by Cr Belcher, who felt the processes were "bureaucratic".
Mr Winton did, however, tell the hearing he did not believe Cr Belcher sought or expected preferential treatment due to his role as a councillor.In his submissions to the committee, Cr Belcher said the information he had received about what he had to do was not clear and he did not receive a food application form to complete until after the infringement notice was issued.