New liquor laws have come into effect in West Australia, designed by the State Government to support small businesses.

It is hoped that amendments made to the Liquor Control Act 1988 will encourage a more tourism-friendly hospitality culture in WA, creating jobs and driving activity through the hospitality industry by reducing regulatory burden on licensees and giving greater choice to customers and visitors to the State.

Under the amendments, restaurants with capacity of 120 patrons or less no longer need to apply for a separate permit to serve liquor without a meal, and can ‘opt in’ when they first apply for their licence. The changes also streamline licensing arrangements to allow greater flexibility for existing and established licensees to host pop-up bars at short-term events such as micro-festivals.

Other changes to the legislation include:

• Lessening the burden and cost for licensees, ongoing hours for Extended Trading Permits are now be valid for up to 10 years – increased from five years.
• Customers of small bars or taverns are able to take-home partially-consumed wine, which previously only applied to restaurants.
• Spirit producers are able to trade in the same manner as wine and beer producers – authorising the sale of liquor for consumption on and off the licensed premises.
• Discretion by the licensing authority to consider low-risk applications without having regard to the public interest assessment requirements.

Tourism, Racing and Gaming and Small Business Minister Paul Papalia CSC MLA said the passing of this legislation represented the most significant liquor reforms for the State in over a decade, and delivered on the Government's Plan for Jobs by supporting opportunities for business growth and driving visitation to WA.

"A tremendous amount of work and consultation has gone into the development of this important legislation, and the result is a framework which all Western Australians can be proud.

“It is time to modernise the hospitality and tourism industries, and these laws strike a good balance between the responsible consumption of liquor together with the tourism and employment benefits of a dynamic and prosperous hospitality industry,” Minister Papalia said.

WA has a free online business licence finder enabling business owners to get a customised report outlining the licences and permits needed and where to get them.

Premier Mark McGowan said the changes strike the right balance between community health and safety while encouraging a more tourism-friendly hospitality culture.
 
"My Government's support for the hospitality industry is evident with more than 100 new licensed venues opening this year alone," he said. "Tourism is a key economic driver for WA and plays a vital role in our plan to diversify the State's economy and create new jobs."

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