The WA Government has announced new regulations around alcohol home delivery which will seek to minimise alcohol-related harm.
The Government said the new measures, which come into effect on February 1, 2022, were created in consultation with the industry, public health bodies and delivery companies. The changes are set to be reviewed after 18 months with feedback from relevant stakeholders.
Key points of the new regulation include:
- Liquor cannot be left unattended for same day delivery purchases
- Anyone accepting a delivery must show ID proof that they are over 18
- A liquor delivery can be left unattended on a day after it was ordered, but only if the customer specifically requests this, and only if it can be left in a place that is not visible to passers-by
- Deliveries must be made within the hours permitted by the licence and never between midnight and 9am for same day orders, or midnight and 6am for other orders
- Liquor cannot be delivered to an intoxicated person, or to liquor restricted premises or communities
- Anyone delivering liquor for same day orders must have completed a Responsible Service of Alcohol training course or alternate course approved by the Director of Liquor Licensing
Racing and Gaming Minister, Reece Whitby, said the changes are an example of how the WA Government is working to reduce alcohol-related harm in a targeted way.
“The way we purchase alcohol is changing, but with this comes the increased risk of alcohol-related harm,” Minister Whitby said.
“The State Government’s move to tighten regulations around alcohol home deliveries is just another way we are working to reduce alcohol abuse and the destructive behaviour that comes with it.
“By introducing a requirement to show ID upon delivery, we are minimising the risk but not imposing an unreasonable burden on consumers who require the flexibility of unattended home deliveries.”
These alcohol delivery regulation changes are similar to other states which have recently seen reform in the same sector of the industry. Retail Drinks CEO, Michael Waters, noted that many of the changes listed above complement the Retail Drinks Online Alcohol Sale & Delivery Code of Conduct, which has also been in line with regulation reform in other states too.
“The WA Government’s regulatory framework, which adopts several key elements of the Retail Drinks Code, ensures that the demand amongst WA consumers for convenience and accessibility can be met whilst also ensuring that the potential risks associated with the same-day alcohol delivery sector are minimised,” Waters said.
The changes have also been supported by the Liquor Stores Association of WA (LSA WA). CEO Peter Peck said it was a great start and one that should be closely analysed during that first 18 months to make sure it’s as effective as possible.
“It is a very productive first step in an important journey. Obviously the LSA WA, like others, did not get everything they asked for. But we strongly support the commitment of a review in 18 months to see if they are effective or where they may need tweaking,” Peck said.
“These regulations will not have a major impact on the majority of responsible consumers. But we hope as an association committed to RSA and harm minimisation that it will be a tool that will help people who may have fallen between the cracks.
“The LSA WA would also like to see an 18 month review into the carriage limits released earlier this year to also ensure they are effectively targeting sly groggers.”