Major liquor reforms come into effect May 7: Ripper

Restaurateurs can start applying for permits to allow them to serve alcohol without selling customers an accompanying meal from Monday May 7.

Deputy Premier Eric Ripper revealed today that major changes to WA's liquor licensing laws will take effect on May 7, including the introduction of the new Liquor Commission, which will replace the current Liquor Licensing Court.

The full text of an announcement from Mr Ripper's office is pasted below

Deputy Premier Eric Ripper today bid farewell to Perth's 'Dullsville' tag by announcing a comprehensive liquor reform package that would energise Western Australia's hospitality and tourism industries and allow patrons even greater choice.

Mr Ripper said that from May 7 there would be sweeping changes to the laws regarding the way liquor was served in WA.

"These reforms will see Perth shake off the 'Dullsville' tag that has plagued the city and add vibrancy and energy to smaller towns and tourist destinations all around the State," he said.

"They will also 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; and
• requiring an approved manager to be on duty during all trading hours.

As well, 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.

Police will also be given greater powers to deal with alcohol-related, anti-social behaviour including the right to seize and destroy liquor, greatly improving their ability to control troublemakers at major events such as the Australia Day Skyshow and School Leavers' week.

Bans on alcohol can also be imposed on designated areas during major events.

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.