By Andy Young
The Liquor Stores Association WA (LSA WA) has welcomed the state government's introduction of secondary supply laws.
As previously reported in TheShout, the new laws, which came into effect last Friday, will see adults in Western Australia face a maximum penalty of $10,000 if they supply alcohol to a minor without the consent of that child's parent or guardian.
Liquor Stores Association WA, president Lou Spagnolo said: "Adults should carefully reconsider when thinking about buying alcohol for minors. Government surveys have found that 84 per cent of underage drinkers asked parents, friends and older relatives to buy alcohol on their behalf."
The LSA WA is also reinforcing the 'Don't Buy if for Them' campaign as the annual Leavers week celebrations roll into Christmas and New Year’s festivities. The campaign ties in with the new laws in discouraging adults from buying alcohol on behalf of minors.
LSA WA is also working closely with its liquor store members to train staff on the ‘ID-25’ campaign, to reinforce customer awareness and staff confidence to check the ID’s of those suspected of being underage and to refuse service to minors.
Spagnolo added: “We have long called on Government to focus its attention on the real problem of secondary supply and the introduction and enforcement of this legislation sends a clear message to the community that it is now an offence to supply alcohol to minors without their parent or guardians consent."