Western Australia modernises liquor laws
Western Australia has passed new laws to modernise its liquor licensing system, including the expansion of trading hours on public holidays.
The Parliament of Western Australia (WA) has reformed the Liquor Control Act 1998 to ‘reinvigorate’ tourism and hospitality businesses and cut red tape.
Under the reform, alcohol can be served by hotels, taverns, small bars and producers with or without a meal on Good Friday in April and on Christmas Day.
Furthermore, trading hours on those public holidays and Anzac Day (25 April) will be increased by four hours, extending from 10am to midnight.
The update will also enable digital ID checks (excluding screenshots or photos of the ID) and remove extended trading permit renewals, enabling venues to benefit from less paperwork and costs.
Small bars will also see their capacity limits rise from 120 to 150 patrons.
The government’s Banned Drinkers Register (BDR), which stops individuals deemed to be consuming alcohol at harmful levels from purchasing these products in stores, has also been made permanent in Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction.
In addition, fines for illegal alcohol sales and transport have been strengthened.
Western Australia’s racing and gaming minister, Paul Papalia, said: “These reforms show our commitment to making it easier to do business in WA by cutting unnecessary costs and red tape.
“We’re backing growth in tourism, hospitality and the night-time economy with a modern liquor licensing system that works for both businesses and patrons.
“At the same time, we’re strengthening community safety – making the BDR permanent and increasing penalties for unlicensed sellers and sly groggers to enhance community safety.”
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