A local business owner is crying foul after the Hepburn Shire Council denied her an opportunity to be a stallholder at the Creswick Market at the weekend.
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Rebecca Sprosen, who is the manager at Allendale Nursery, said the council wrongfully denied her request to participate in the market.
Hepburn Shire Council outlined in a statement what stalls were allowed at the weekend's market.
"Council officers have been actively assisting market organisers in complying with the relevant Chief Health Officer Directions - specifically Restricted Activity Directions (No 7)," the statement read.
"As per the Directions (No 7) only stalls whose predominant business is the provision of food and drink for consumption off the premises of the market are currently permitted to operate."
Ms Sprosen believes she should have been able to sell her herb and vegetable seedlings at the market, as some can be consumed immediately off the premises.
"You can consume them straight away," she said.
"You normally wouldn't, because then you would risk destroying the plant. The purpose of these seedlings is to plant them and grow them, however some can be harvested as they are now."
She continued by accusing the council of being inconsistent with the Department of Health and Human Safety (DHHS) rules, adding she has had no issues with other councils and other markets.
Hepburn Shire Council are making up their own rules... This is my livelihood they are playing with.
- Rebecca Sprosen
"They've made rules up to suit themselves... Other farmers markets have told me there are no issues with any DHHS rule. Other markets I've been a part of towards the Macedon Ranges haven't brought up any issues.
"What they are doing is wrong... I was just down at Riddells Creek Farmers Market and I'll be at the Woodend Farmers Market in a fortnight."
The market is scheduled to run again this Saturday from 9am until 12pm with restrictions in place.
The market's event page on Facebook has outlined what it expects from the public if they attend.
"Please maintain physical distancing while at the market," the post reads.
"Card payments are preferred, one person shopping for the whole family - and offer help to vulnerable neighbours, relatives and friends. Please do not stop to gather in groups, do move in a clockwise direction, follow ground markings and signage, sanitise on entry, enter via the main entrance in Victoria Street, do let sellers pick produce for you, no tasting."
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