Liquor regulatory reform

DLGSC is progressing reforms to make it easier to do business in WA while still minimising alcohol-related harm or ill-health, including:

• major changes to the Director of Liquor Licensing policies
• staged amendments to liquor legislation
• updates and improvements to the liquor licensing and compliance system.

The changes follow the development of significant measures to reduce alcohol-related harm, including:

• the establishment of Protected Entertainment Precincts in the Perth metropolitan area and the introduction of liquor restrictions where required to protect the community
• the roll-out of the Banned Drinkers Register in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and Carnarvon, and the development of proposed enhancements to the register.

Liquor legislation reform

Proposed amendments to the Liquor Control Act 1988 and regulations are being progressed in a staged approach. These changes will:

• improve the licensing framework by streamlining approaches and increasing opportunities for industry
• enhance harm minimisation, compliance and enforcement measures
• modernise and simplify the legislation.

DLGSC will continue liaising with key stakeholders as these changes are progressed.

If you wish to receive updates on these legislative reforms, please email liquorreform@dlgsc.wa.gov.au

Background

DLGSC released the consultation paper The next chapter of WA’s liquor laws from 17 November 2022 to 31 January 2023 and almost 200 submissions were received. The paper sought feedback to:

• identify what is working well with the current regulatory framework
• identify issues the industry, government and community may have with the framework
• explore reform ideas from our stakeholders to improve the framework.

DLGSC thanks all respondents for their input which is helping to inform potential changes.

Contact us

For specific queries relating to this liquor reform, please email liquorreform@dlgsc.wa.gov.au 

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