THE Nelson Bay and District Business Association is standing by the organisation of this year's Tastes at the Bay following complaints the event had not lived up to expectations.
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Disappointment at the set-up, lack of food options, limited wineries and not being able to move around the festival with alcohol was expressed via social media and letters to the Examiner after this year's festival, held in Nelson Bay on November 1 and 2.
Association president Denise Sharp said comments and feedback received by the board had been mostly positive.
However, she said she had received several negative emails about the organisation and addressed the points raised, one of which was the wine tasting area.
"Liquor laws just don't allow for that older style of walking around with a glass in your hand any more," she said.
"As for why there weren't many wineries, there are just so many festivals on now that a lot of vineyards just did not have the staff to cover the stalls."
Ms Sharp said Mothership Events, the business brought on board to organise its festivals for the next three years, had done everything right.
She added they had already booked four wineries to attend next year's event and said they would look to add more tasting selections.
"We appreciate people telling us how they feel. Now we know what they're looking for," Ms Sharp said.