New laws have passed that aim to modernise liquor licensing in Western Australia, cutting red tape and boosting the state’s liquor, tourism and hospitality sector.
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 including 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.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said: “These reforms show our commitment to making it easier to do business in WA by cutting unnecessary costs and red tape.
“We’re backing growth in tourism, hospitality and the night-time economy with a modern liquor licensing system that works for both businesses and patrons.
“At the same time, we’re strengthening community safety – making the BDR permanent and increasing penalties for unlicensed sellers and sly groggers to enhance community safety.”
AHA WA welcomes reforms
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) said it welcomed the WA Liquor Control Act Amendment Bill 2025 that passed through Parliament today.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods (above) said the WA Government’s move to fast-track final approval of the amendments will allow venues and consumers to benefit from modernised trading conditions in time for Christmas and many more to take effect in the New Year.
“The AHA(WA)’s strong advocacy has ensured these long-overdue reforms passed before the end of the year, allowing hospitality venues and patrons to enjoy simpler and more contemporary trading arrangements commencing this festive season,” Woods said.
“These amendments reflect the needs of today’s hospitality industry and will deliver practical, immediate benefits for venues across the State. The ability for pubs, hotels and bars to operate with clearer, more consistent rules is a significant win for industry, staff and customers.
“Christmas Day restrictions being removed was a priority for the AHA(WA), and we are pleased to see commonsense changes finally enacted.”