More than 300 guests from industry, retail, Federal and State Government gathered at the grand ballroom of the Hyatt Hotel in Perth last Friday for the Liquor Stores Association Western Australia’s annual awards.
It was the 23rd running of the awards, which recognised the state’s best retailers, sales representatives and suppliers.
The Chairman of the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia Lou Spagnolo spoke of the constant threat the industry was facing each and every day from the Anti Liquor Industry.
“Simply turning off the tap isn’t going to solve the problem, the only thing it will do is turn them into clients of sly groggers and drug dealers while restricting the freedom of the majority of our community,” he said.
“We want to be part of the solution. So, we have embarked on a journey, and engaged with government and other stake holders to debunk these claims and work towards achieving better outcomes.
“The way forward for our industry is to lead, and not to be led.”
The winners were:
Arthur J. Gallagher Metropolitan Liquor Store of the Year
DE VINE CELLARS INGLEWOOD
Arthur J. Gallagher Country Liquor Store of the Year
LIQUOR BARONS NORTHAM
Arthur J. Gallagher WA Liquor Store of the Year
LIQUOR BARONS NORTHAM
Lion Beer Australia Quiet Achiever Award
ANITA GRACE – CELLARBRATIONS @ NEWMAN
Amanda Energy Solutions Rookie Sales Representative of the Year
SHANNON – CAHILL CAMPARI
Australian Liquor Marketers Wine Sales Representative of the Year
RHYS DAVIES – VINTAGE HOUSE WINE & SPIRITS
Australian Liquor Marketers Beer Sales Representative of the Year
STEVE THOMAS – PREMIUM BEVERAGES
Australian Liquor Marketers Spirit & RTD Sales Representative of the Year
EMMA KRUMINS – BROWN-FORMAN
Australian Liquor Marketers Western Australian Sales Representative of the Year
RHYS DAVIES – VINTAGE HOUSE WINE & SPIRITS
H & L Western Australian Supplier of the Year
PREMIUM BEVERAGES