Edition 44, May 2007

WA introduces comprehensive liquor reform package

Western Australia has announced a comprehensive liquor reform package to energise its hospitality and tourism industries and allow patrons greater choice.

These reforms commence on May 7 and will balance the demands of the community for choice, convenience and safety, with stronger provisions for enforcement agencies and increased opportunities for business owners.

Some reforms will be introduced immediately and others will require applications for special permits.

Reforms that will come into effect immediately include:

  • drinking water to be available to patrons free-of-charge in premises licensed for on-site consumption of liquor
  • allowing patrons to remove opened, unconsumed bottles of liquor from restaurants, hotels and taverns provided it was purchased in conjunction with a meal
  • streamlining the way in which matters are heard by replacing the Liquor Licensing Court with a Liquor Commission
  • introducing the 'public interest test' to replace the anti-competitive 'needs' based test when determining liquor licence applications
  • making it mandatory for all bar staff involved in the service of liquor to undergo training in the responsible service of alcohol
  • introducing stronger enforcement provisions to make it harder for criminals and their associates to be involved in the liquor industry
  • less restrictive operating conditions for licensed clubs
  • requiring an approved manager to be on duty during all trading hours.

Additionally, an application process for the new small bar licences and drinking without a meal permits for restaurants is in place and these initiatives will start becoming evident to consumers following May 7.

In an initiative designed to generate an increase in the industry's employment base, juveniles aged 16 and 17 will be given the flexibility to serve liquor at restaurants provided they are enrolled in an approved vocational training course.

For more information visit www.orgl.wa.gov.au/reforms

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