The Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia (LSA WA) is calling on the WA State Government to take the next steps in the state’s trading hours reform.
CEO Peter Peck says that new initiatives will help independent liquor stores throughout WA to take advantage of peak tourism periods and give them the ability to forward plan.
He says the organisation has been buoyed by the success of a 12 months trial program which enabled independent liquor stores in regional WA to open on the Sunday of long weekends and hopes to maximise its benefits.
Implemented by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industry, this step is seen by LSA WA as the first successful step towards normalising trading hours in regional towns.
“With this positive measure now achieved, LSA WA has requested that the Director of Licensing take the next step and gazette all the relevant dates for the coming year at the commencement of 2019 to give retailers the ability to plan long term,” said Peck.
“The LSA WA is also working on behalf of its members to work with Minister for Tourism, Racing and Gaming and Small Business, Paul Papalia, to allow retail packaged liquor outlets to provide service to the public in tourism seasons.
“This would be an important step in enabling independent liquor stores to service the public during peak periods in tourism areas where, in some cases, local populations increase by tens of thousands of people.
“This state government has acted progressively with LSA WA and its members to date and I hope we can achieve these next steps.”