A senior Victorian liberal MP has claimed he is the target of a political smear campaign amid allegations he drunkenly berated staff at a small regional brewery.
Shadow treasurer David Davis is on a final warning after the government this week moved a motion condemning his drunken behaviour at a multicultural gala dinner.
But further allegations surfaced on Friday that Mr Davis had been involved in a dispute at Bright Brewery a year earlier.
He reportedly became heavily intoxicated and verbally abused staff.
The incident occurred at a function for upper house MPs the evening before a Legislative Council sitting in Brighxjmtzywt in April 2021.
Mr Davis and a second unnamed MP reportedly swore at staff over table service and unavailable menu items, before they were refused service and eventually left the venue.
A day later, a representative from the Victorian government phoned the venue to apologise.
In a statement, Mr Davis said he believed he was now the target of a political smear campaign.
“No one can claim their behaviour is perfect,” Mr Davis said.
“If any offence was caused, I apologise unreservedly.
“No-one from the establishment has raised any issues with me subsequent to the evening.
Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy warned Mr Davis over his behaviour at the gala dinner, but did not reprimand the MP.
During the event on Saturday evening, Mr Davis was reportedly heavily intoxicated.
Witness accounts revealed the MP was acting inappropriately towards guests, including touching, hugging and getting to close to people.
Mr Davis admitted he’d had too much to drink at the event.
The incident comes months after former Liberal frontbencher Tim Smith was forced to quit politics over a drink-driving car crash.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy on Thursday said Mr Davis would not be punished for the behaviour.
He said he had not received any official complaints.
“He wouldn’t be the first politician to have committed this sin and he won’t be the last. He’s apologised for it and I think that’s enough,” he said.
Mr Guy has yet to comment on Mr Davis’ behaviour at the Bright Brewery.
Upper house MP Andy Meddick was at the bar when he witnessed Mr Davis interacting with the bar staff at Bright Brewery.
“He asked if he could get service at his table. He was politely told there was no table service and food could be brought out after ordering at the bar which is pretty standard stuff at a brewery,” Mr Meddick told the Herald Sun.
“He then cracked it and thought it was very poor service. The staff were taken aback.”
Mr Meddick said Mr Davis later became angry after the menu item had sold out.
“That annoyed him again. There was swearing, it was very forceful and abusive,” he said.
