29 August 2024 | The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed today’s announcement that the WA Government and the Director of Liquor Licensing have cut the suite of 54 liquor licensing policies to 14, making it easier for hospitality operators to do business.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said it has been a long process to get to this stage but praised the Director of Liquor Licensing and the government’s work in making comprehensive, positive changes to the policies.
“The primary objective of the changes are to reduce red tape, eliminate unreasonable conditions and ensure policies are reasonable and fit for purpose,“ said Mr Woods.
“We have long argued that there are too many policy guidelines and they are too complex, so having less and clearer, straightforward polices that minimise red tape is very welcome,” said Mr Woods.
These changes will make it easier for current and potential licensees to understand, maintain and apply for a liquor licence. For example, under the policy changes, licensees who have had to submit a House Management Policy, a Code of Conduct, and Management Plan will now only need to submit one document, a Harm Minimisation Plan. This will reduce costs on businesses and lessen the administrative burden.
A commonsense approach has been taken to the principles of responsible promotion and advertising of alcohol, and juveniles will be permitted to work in licensed premises as glass collectors from the age of 16.
“It makes sense to allow 16-year-olds to collect glasses in licensed venues, where previously they could not clear anything that had once contained alcohol. This positive change will offer youngsters valuable work experience and help venues ease labour shortages,” said Mr Woods.
The changes all bring cost-saving measures by eliminating the 10-year renewal requirement for certain extended trading permits. This will save the industry and government around $500,000 and 4,000 person-hours for making or processing applications over the next decade.
Western Australian artists also sing the praises of these changes. Under the old policy, licensees could apply for an hour of extended trading if an interstate or international artist was performing. Under the new policy, licensees can apply for extended trading if a Western Australian band is playing, which will encourage licensees to support local talent.
New entrants to the wine industry are also supported by the deletion of an old policy which stated that a vineyard must have 1.5 hectares of vines or produce 5,000 bottles of wine per year. This restrictive requirement discouraged small businesses and boutique wineries.
The AHA(WA) will continue to advocate for the WA Government to progress with comprehensive legislative reforms, including removing restrictive and antiquated conditions, and modernising trading hours to help create a more vibrant and resilient hospitality scene.
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For further information, please contact Kim Forrester, media & communications executive, on 0411 777 593 or email mecom@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.
