Fremantle 'sail' restrictions lifted

• Special event declared for Fremantle Sailing World Championships
• Licensees to gain greater flexibility

International visitors will be able to join West Australians celebrating the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships in venues across Fremantle following changes to the liquor regulations governing restaurants.

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 under section 126E of the Liquor Control Act 1998 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 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.

       Fact File

• 5,000 officials including 1,200 sailors and tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend the championships
• The largest sailing event to be held in WA since the defence of the America's Cup in 1987

Minister's office - 9213 7200