THE ACT government has been urged to reverse a ban on the use of steins at this year’s traditional Oktoberfest celebrations at the Harmonie German Club (October 25-27).

“I cannot believe the insensitivity of this blind bureaucratic decision to ban steins,” says Bill Stefaniak, Belco Party convenor and ACT election candidate.

“The Harmonie German Club is a leader in our community, promoting German culture and traditions.

“They, like other clubs, have done it tough in the past months. They are doing a great job of finding ways to provide a service to their members but still accommodate the real requirements of having a safe environment for their patrons and staff.

“And then along comes the Government and kicks them in the guts over a beer stein. How out of touch and petty minded is this government overreach?

“I simply cannot believe this Government doesn’t understand the cultural importance of a stein glass at an event like Oktoberfest. It might be a small thing but then again it is something that connects people to the event and the whole tradition.

“If the Belco Party is fortunate enough to win a seat in the upcoming elections we will immediately reverse this ban.”