WA Liquor Laws Updated for Holiday Trading
From next year, Western Australians will be able to buy a drink without a meal at pubs and other venues on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Trading hours on public holidays including Good Friday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day will also increase by four hours, meaning venues can operate from 10am to midnight. Under current laws, alcohol can only be served with a meal from 12 noon to 10pm unless granted an exemption.
These changes to WA’s liquor laws aim to boost business and diversify the economy by ensuring the State’s hospitality sector continues to thrive.
The reforms are set to pass through Parliament later this year however some rules have already been relaxed.
This Good Friday more venues will be allowed to open their doors and serve alcohol without a meal requirement if hosting a live music event. One hundred licensed premises have applied for the Occasional Liquor Licences, more than double the applications received last year.
Other planned changes include removing the need to renew extended trading permits, allowing for digital forms of identification, and increasing the capacity of small bars from 120 to 150 patrons to enable venue owners to grow their business.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
“The aim of these reforms is to modernise and simplify liquor laws to be more cost-effective, relevant and efficient so that WA’s hospitality scene continues to grow and thrive.
“The reforms are the result of extensive consultation with the industry as well as agencies and community groups involved in harm minimisation. I would like to thank the Australian Hotels Association WA and their members for input which was crucial to delivering changes that support businesses and satisfy the community.
“The changes will also make it cheaper and easier for liquor, hospitality and tourism operators to do business.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/Liquor-laws-modernised-to-enhance-WA-public-holiday-trading-20250419