More pop-up festivals for WA under new liquor laws

Western Australia will see more pop-up festivals as part of a shake-up of the state’s liquor laws.

These come into effect on the weekend.

The McGowan government’s Liquor Control Amendment Bill 2018 builds upon the revolutionary legislation which saw the growth of the small bar scene in Perth in 2007.

The Bill also includes an amendment to streamline licensing arrangements for existing, established, local licensees to cater at temporary and pop-up bars at short-term events such as micro-festivals.

Extended Trading Permits (ETPs) for live music (and other kind of) venues will be valid for up to 10 years – increased from five years, cutting burden and cost for licensees.

Red tape will be snipped for smaller venues.

The licensing authority now has the discretion to consider low-risk applications without having regard to the public interest assessment requirements.

Premier Mark McGowan said,  “The new changes coming into effect this weekend strike the right balance between community health and safety while encouraging a more tourism-friendly hospitality culture.

“My government’s support for the hospitality industry is evident with more than 100 new licensed venues opening this year alone.

“Tourism is a key economic driver for WA and plays a vital role in our plan to diversify the State’s economy and create new jobs.”

In other changes, patrons will be able to take home partially-consumed wine from a small bar or tavern if they choose to finish it later, which currently only applies to restaurants.

Restaurants with the capacity for 120 people or less will no longer need to apply for a separate permit to serve liquor without a meal – they will simply ‘opt-in’ when they first apply for their licence.