Liquor stores start Sunday trading

Western Australia's much anticipated new liquor laws to allow all metropolitan liquor stores to open on Sundays came into effect yesterday.

The full text of an announcement from the Premier's office is pasted below

Premier Alan Carpenter said the reforms heralded a new era for WA in vibrancy, maturity and community choice.

"As of today, all metropolitan liquor stores will be permitted to trade between 10am and 10pm on Sundays," he said.

"This brings liquor stores into line with hotel bottle shops which, until now, have had a monopoly on Sunday trade.

"The new legislation, the remainder of which will be implemented in stages over the coming months, is a victory for commonsense.

"Once fully implemented, people will be able to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine at a restaurant without a meal, buy a bottle of wine at their local liquor store on a Sunday and open a small bar.

"These changes will greatly stimulate small business, tourism and entrepreneurialism in our State."

Mr Carpenter also took the opportunity to announce the inaugural chair and members of the Liquor Commission, which would replace the current legalistic Liquor Licensing Court.

The inaugural members are:

• Mr Jim Freemantle - chair;
• Ms Helen Cogan;
• Ms Deidre Willmott;
• Ms Diana Warnock; and
• Mr Edward Watling.

"The chair and all members have been appointed for a five-year period, during which time they will be responsible for guiding the future of liquor licensing in the State," the Premier said.

"Mr Freemantle was the chairperson of the committee appointed by the Government in 2004 to review the Liquor Licensing Act and has had a strong background in business and community interests.

"He did a fantastic job on the review and I am very pleased he has agreed to chair the commission for its first five years.

"Ms Willmott works at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was a chief of staff to former Premier Richard Court.

"The other members have been drawn from a variety of backgrounds, including tourism, business, community and law.

"The breadth of talent is considerable and I am confident this group of people will serve the community well.

"Although the establishment of the commission may seem like an administrative change, it actually marks a very significant departure from the current licensing regime.

"We expect that the move to a commission will provide a cheaper and less legalistic licensing process for people who want to establish a licensed outlet."