New laws to modernise Western Australia's liquor licensing system have passed Parliament, cutting red tape and helping to boost the State's liquor, tourism and hospitality sectors.
Under the reforms, alcohol can be served by hotels, taverns, small bars and producers with or without a meal on Good Friday and Christmas Day while trading hours on those public holidays and Anzac Day will now be allowed from 10am to midnight, an increase of up to four hours, to meet customer demand.
The Liquor Control Act 1988, will now also allow digital ID checks, paving the way for future technology. Customers must show the original digital ID - photos or screenshots won't be accepted.
In another update, business owners will benefit from reduced paperwork and costs, including the scrapping of extended trading permit renewals. Small bars will also gain room to grow, with capacity limits set to rise from 120 to 150 patrons where it's safe to do so.
Producers of spirits will be able to make a greater range of products, such as ready-to-drink beverages like hard seltzers.
The new laws also make the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) permanent in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction where the system currently operates, cementing one of the WA Government's major alcohol harm reduction measures while penalties for illegal alcohol sales and transport have been strengthened.
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) has awarded a $14 million contract to develop and roll out a new Racing, Gaming and Liquor licensing and compliance system that will provide an up-to-date and improved experience for customers and partner agencies.
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