Steve Nicoloff has been elected as the new chair of the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia (LSA WA), succeeding Lou Spagnolo, who stepped down after a 15-year tenure.
Nicoloff, who was previously deputy chair, brings decades of experience in the retail liquor industry and aims to ensure the continued support of small business owners in an evolving market.
“It’s a big honour to be voted by my peers as chair of the LSA WA and I’d like to thank Lou for his service. He’s an icon in the industry and I’ve gleaned a lot of knowledge over the years working alongside him,” Nicoloff said.
Spagnolo, who held the role of president for a record 15 years, was instrumental in advocating for the rights of independent liquor retailers. His leadership helped LSA WA navigate challenges such as liquor restrictions, licensing issues, and ongoing retail crime.
Nicoloff continued: “Growing up in and around liquor retailing, the industry has given me and my family so much, therefore I’m happy to be part of a new chapter in the LSA story and can continue to give back in my new role.”
Nicoloff has identified political lobbying as a priority, especially with state and federal elections approaching.
“We will be working with every political party to ensure our voice is heard and our key policies are understood,” he said. “Through the executive team led by our CEO Peter Peck, we have achieved quite a lot, and we will continue to press our case through that space and remind all politicians that we play a significant role to the state economy.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the LSA WA’s liquor industry awards, a milestone Nicoloff plans to honour with a special celebration.
“We know it’s always a great event where everyone comes together to celebrate,” he said. “We will be making sure that the event packs a bit more punch to reflect the last 30 years and how we have come along since then.”
With a strong foundation laid by Spagnolo’s leadership, Nicoloff is focused on continuing the association’s mission to support its members and the independent liquor sector.
“Our organisation exists for our members. It’s the reason why we formed way back in 1952, and it remains the reason why we are still here to this day. We are here for the mum and dad business owners who need our support, and we will make sure we will always give it to them,” he said.