More than 300 guests from industry, retail, Federal and State Government gathered at the Pan Pacific in Perth last Friday for the Liquor Stores Association Western Australia’s 29th annual awards.
The LSA WA Lion Liquor Industry Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in the independent packaged liquor store industry, as well as sales representatives and suppliers across the state.
The major winner of the night was Copper & Oak Liquor Merchants in Guildford, which took home two major awards, including Metropolitan Liquor Store of the Year and the Peter Basioli WA Liquor Store of the Year.
Copper & Oak was formed 20 years ago by Jose Pestana who set up shop in Tuart Hill after emigrating from South Africa and decided to call Perth home. A few years later his brother Nelio joined him from overseas to help run the business.
In 2022, the duo established their Copper & Oak Guildford store at a historic building previously known as Chateau Guildford, which has been supported by industry peers and locals. Their liquor industry award caps off a number of accolades they have received this year from the Swan Chamber of Commerce.
Jose Pestana said the liquor award was validation of many years of demanding work put into the business and being part of the local community.
“That’s what we’re about, we’re not just about being retailers in another shop. We want to be part of something, and Guildford has shown it.
“Being a town that’s all about the heritage factor, they’ve embraced us, they come in, and they know us by name, and credit is due to Nelio for doing all of that work,” he said.
Although Copper & Oak Guildford has only been operating for two years, Nelio Pestana says the business has been 20 years in the making and he thanked the Guildford community for being so welcoming.
“The community of Guildford has been fantastic and that’s fantastic for us – if you get welcomed then that makes life a whole lot easier,” he said.
Liquor Barons in Northam was named Country Liquor Store of the year after last scooping the title in 2022.
Raelene Harris, Owner of Liquor Barons Northam, said she was blown away by the recognition, crediting her fantastic staff for all their hard work.
“This award has absolutely taken me by surprise,” she said. “Country stores are very family orientated, we get to know our customers and what they like. My staff are amazing and all the people who come into our store actually love coming in, and that’s because of my team. Our industry is the most amazing industry you can be a part of, so keep it up everyone because this industry is the best,” she said.
In its second year, the Employee of the Year award was won by Basil Giglia from Liquor Barons Carlisle, who was both shocked and humbled by the recognition.
The Employee of the Year Award was introduced last year to replace the Young Liquor Retailer of the Year award category. The idea was to make this award more inclusive and provide the opportunity for any employee of a liquor store to be recognised for their hard work and commitment to the industry.
“I’d like to thank the LSA and all of the sponsors, as well as special thanks to Lou Spagnolo and Helen who have employed me and given me the leeway to do virtually what I please. I wasn’t expecting to win this, and I give big and special thanks to all of the reps and suppliers in the industry. Thank you for this special award and thank you for voting for me,” Giglia said.
Mental health advocacy group Healthy Mind Menu and Coordinator Paisley Maddison received the Anita Grace Community Service Award for its focus on mental health and wellbeing in the hospitality industry.
Now in its third year, the Media Award was picked up by Nine News Perth reporter Amber Wilkinson for her tv news report on the growing rate of violence against retail workers and the push to toughen up legislation and punish retail thugs.
“I used to work in retail as a teenager and copped a lot of abuse myself, so I’ve been there, and I’ve seen it, and I just never think it’s right for anyone. So, to get to have the privilege to talking to people who’ve been through those hard times, getting to put a spotlight on it and the emphasis of what needs to change it was a real privilege and it hit close to home for me,” said Wilkinson.
Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said the event was a fitting testament to the significant role family-owned liquor stores play in local communities.
“Everyone in this industry works really hard and often do it really tough and regularly are working when the rest of us are celebrating or enjoying time with family and friends. I think you deserve a moment to reflect on what you’ve done, what you’re doing and appreciate the service that you provide to the community,” he said.
LSA WA CEO Peter Peck said this year’s event once again showcased the different but essential elements the industry plays in the community at large.
“It’s not just about the alcohol or the consumption of the product. This event highlights how stores interact within their local communities and how each member of the industry supports one another.”
“It’s classic small business, where everyone can have a go and foster a thriving and sustainable industry.”
“I congratulate the award winners and thank all our partners for their ongoing support” he said.
LSA WA 2024 Lion Liquor Industry Award Winners:
Peter Basioli WA Liquor Store of the Year: Copper & Oak Liquor Merchants, Guildford
Metropolitan Liquor Store of the Year: Copper & Oak Liquor Merchants, Guildford
Country Liquor Store of the Year: Liquor Barons, Northam
Anita Grace Community Service Award: Healthy Mind Menu
Lion Liquor Industry Media Award: Amber Wilkinson – Channel Nine News, Perth
Employee of the Year: Basil Giglia – Liquor Barons Carlisle
Sales Representative of the Year – Beer: Peter Liversage – Good Drinks
Sales Representative of the Year – Wine: Neil McPherson, Off the Vine
Sales Representative of the Year – Spirits/RTDs: Dan Partington Smith – Diageo
Supplier of the Year – Beer: Lion Beverages
Supplier of the Year – Wine: Off the Vine
Supplier of the Year – Spirit/RTDs: Diageo