Cheers to cutting hospitality sector red tape

Monday, 17 October 2016

• Further changes stemming from the Liberal National Government's award-winning Liquor Control Act review 

The transformation of Western Australia's hospitality sector is gathering momentum thanks to continued slashing of red tape across the industry by the Liberal National Government. 

Racing and Gaming Minister Brendon Grylls today outlined a raft of Government measures which are making life easier for operators of licensed premises and tourism businesses.

Mr Grylls said the State Government had altered the Liquor Control Regulations to provide an exemption to allow tourism operators the flexibility to offer alcohol to customers as part of a tourism experience.

"This will add value to customer experiences by enhancing the service that the tourism industry can provide," he said. 

The Government has also increased the duration of an Extended Trading Permit (ETP) from five years to 10 years for certain types of low risk permits.

"This reduces the need for licensees to reapply for the renewal of ETPs every five years, thereby removing the regulatory burden on business," Mr Grylls said.

"There are about 620 permits that will benefit from this extension, with direct savings of around $120,000 every year - not including the time savings for paperwork."

Following last year's reform to allow the Director of Liquor Licensing to accept licence applications without planning approval being provided at the time of lodgment, Finance Minister Sean L'Estrange said applicants could now submit a development approval in lieu of a section 40 certificate.

"If an applicant already has a development approval, they will not be required to also obtain a section 40 certificate - saving a minimum of $5,625 per year in fees," Mr L'Estrange said.

"It is another example of the Liberal National Government cutting unnecessary red tape to save people time and money and to make their lives easier."

Fact File

• Perth's hospitality scene is unrecognisable from the Dullsville days (pre-2009)
• More than 50 new small bars and upwards of 135 licenced restaurants have opened in the last four years
• 2015 marked the approval of the 100th small bar licence
• Perth has been home to Australia's best small bar for two years running - Mechanics' Institute (2015) and Varnish on King (2014)