Liquor regulations have been liberalised for the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships later this year, though the changes will only apply to 14 restaurants in Fremantle.
Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron announced a special event declaration for the City of Fremantle for the duration of the championships from November 26 to December 24.
The declaration applies to licensed restaurants that are authorised to serve liquor without a meal and will remove the requirement that patrons consuming liquor without a meal must be seated at a dining table.
“There is no doubt Fremantle will experience a major influx of visitors during the sailing championships and this will provide greater flexibility for licensees to meet the needs of patrons,” Mr Waldron said.
“The declaration will mean that the 14 restaurants covered in the event declaration area will be able to serve drinks to customers whether or not they are seated at a table and provided the restaurant maintains its normal dining service.”
The City of Fremantle said that, currently, just six Fremantle restaurants that hold liquor without a meal permits issued by the Department of Racing, Gaming & Liquor had obtained the necessary approvals.
They are: Char Char Bull, Cicerello’s, Joe’s Fish Shack, KaiIis Fishmarket Café, Salt on the Beach, and The Monk
The City said it is currently in conversations with the owners of other eligible Fremantle restaurants who have all indicated a willingness to participate in this initiative.
The Minister said in terms of trading hours generally, all licensees would be able to apply for extended trading permits to enable them to trade later during the event.
“The Director of Liquor Licensing has informed me these applications will be treated favourably provided they are supported by the City of Fremantle and subject to police consultation,” he said.
