The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed today’s announcement that a re-elected Cook Labor Government will implement significant liquor reforms to enhance hospitality experiences for West Australians and make hospitality venues more accessible and attractive to visitors.
Key announcements include:
- Modernising WA’s Liquor laws by allowing hospitality venues to trade from 10 a.m. to midnight on Good Friday, Christmas Day, and ANZAC Day, removing the requirement that liquor must only be sold with a meal.
- Cutting red tape, by eliminating the need for hospitality operators to regularly reapply and renew extended trading permits, saving time and legal costs.
- Expanding the capacity of small bars from 120 to 150 patrons.
- Investing $18.4 million in tourism, hospitality, and wine exports – supporting WA’s economic diversification.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the announcement reinforces Labor’s commitment to supporting Western Australia’s hospitality and tourism industries.
“By introducing reforms that enhance patron experiences and improve business trading conditions, these policies will stimulate employment and economic growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors,” Mr Woods said.
Mr Woods welcomed the removal of outdated restrictions requiring alcohol to be served only with a meal on Good Friday.
“For too long, these restrictions have placed unnecessary limits on patrons. Removing them is a significant step forward in modernising WA’s liquor laws, and providing greater flexibility for both businesses and customers,” Mr Woods said.
A re-elected Cook Labor Government has also pledged $18.4 million in funding to drive local job creation and support WA’s economic diversification.
This investment will fund key projects in the Swan Valley and Perth Hills, further cementing these regions as premier tourism and hospitality destinations. Additional support will go toward improving access to the Swan River, including cleanup efforts to make the area more inviting for tourists, operators, and recreational boaters.
The funding package includes $6 million, doubling WA Labor’s current contribution to the Wine Industry Export Growth Partnership, aimed at increasing WA wine exports, particularly to the east coast.
“WA produces some of Australia’s finest wines, and this investment will showcase our premium wine offerings to a broader audience, strengthening our global reputation as a world-class wine tourism destination,” Mr Woods said.
This announcement aligns with WA Labor’s Made in WA plan, which includes further liquor reforms to enhance Western Australia’s vibrancy. A re-elected Cook Labor Government will collaborate with hospitality and tourism industry partners to develop a night-time economy strategy supporting businesses, boosting tourism, and fostering community engagement.
Mr Woods said this commitment highlights the vital role of the night-time economy in driving economic growth and strengthening WA’s hospitality sector.
A thriving hospitality and tourism industry benefits all West Australians. These initiatives will enhance local offerings and position WA as a must-visit destination for food, wine, and hospitality experiences,” he said.
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For further information, please contact Angela Beechey, government relations and communications manager, on 0419 190 406 or email grm@ahawa.asn.au
The AHA(WA) is the authoritative voice for the hospitality and accommodation industry in Western Australia. Since 1892, we have protected and developed the interests of our members, through strong representation and the pursuit of industry excellence. Our mission is to ensure the hospitality industry remains a vital part of the Australian way of life and to amplify the voices of those we represent.
