❓ The Minister for Racing and Gaming provides an update on measures to reduce red tape in the liquor industry, including exemptions for BYO alcohol in small charter vehicles and for low-risk functions, and online occasional licenses.
AnsweredQoN 612Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
LIQUOR INDUSTRY — RED TAPE REDUCTION
As my electorate of Mount Lawley and surrounds has many popular bars, hotels and nightclubs, can the minister please update the house on the latest measures for reducing unnecessary red tape in the liquor industry? Mr T.K. WALDRON
As my electorate of Mount Lawley and surrounds has many popular bars, hotels and nightclubs, can the minister please update the house on the latest measures for reducing unnecessary red tape in the liquor industry? Mr T.K. WALDRON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Mount Lawley for his question. He has a strong interest in this industry and I thank him because he has brought some very relevant and sensible issues before me, which has helped me make some proper changes. I think that all members of this place understand the negative effects of alcohol abuse in our community; it is a pretty sensitive issue. There is a need for the sale and supply of alcohol to be tightly and appropriately regulated, especially where the risks are high. However, I think members would also agree that the majority of Western Australians enjoy a drink and most do so responsibly. Therefore, the over-regulation of low-risk activities can place an unnecessary burden on our regulators themselves, on our businesses and particularly on social and sporting organisations. Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for Mount Lawley for his question. He has a strong interest in this industry and I thank him because he has brought some very relevant and sensible issues before me, which has helped me make some proper changes. I think that all members of this place understand the negative effects of alcohol abuse in our community; it is a pretty sensitive issue. There is a need for the sale and supply of alcohol to be tightly and appropriately regulated, especially where the risks are high. However, I think members would also agree that the majority of Western Australians enjoy a drink and most do so responsibly. Therefore, the over-regulation of low-risk activities can place an unnecessary burden on our regulators themselves, on our businesses and particularly on social and sporting organisations. Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
I thank the member for Mount Lawley for his question. He has a strong interest in this industry and I thank him because he has brought some very relevant and sensible issues before me, which has helped me make some proper changes. I think that all members of this place understand the negative effects of alcohol abuse in our community; it is a pretty sensitive issue. There is a need for the sale and supply of alcohol to be tightly and appropriately regulated, especially where the risks are high. However, I think members would also agree that the majority of Western Australians enjoy a drink and most do so responsibly. Therefore, the over-regulation of low-risk activities can place an unnecessary burden on our regulators themselves, on our businesses and particularly on social and sporting organisations. Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
I think that all members of this place understand the negative effects of alcohol abuse in our community; it is a pretty sensitive issue. There is a need for the sale and supply of alcohol to be tightly and appropriately regulated, especially where the risks are high. However, I think members would also agree that the majority of Western Australians enjoy a drink and most do so responsibly. Therefore, the over-regulation of low-risk activities can place an unnecessary burden on our regulators themselves, on our businesses and particularly on social and sporting organisations. Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
[See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for Mount Lawley for his question. He has a strong interest in this industry and I thank him because he has brought some very relevant and sensible issues before me, which has helped me make some proper changes. I think that all members of this place understand the negative effects of alcohol abuse in our community; it is a pretty sensitive issue. There is a need for the sale and supply of alcohol to be tightly and appropriately regulated, especially where the risks are high. However, I think members would also agree that the majority of Western Australians enjoy a drink and most do so responsibly. Therefore, the over-regulation of low-risk activities can place an unnecessary burden on our regulators themselves, on our businesses and particularly on social and sporting organisations. Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
I thank the member for Mount Lawley for his question. He has a strong interest in this industry and I thank him because he has brought some very relevant and sensible issues before me, which has helped me make some proper changes. I think that all members of this place understand the negative effects of alcohol abuse in our community; it is a pretty sensitive issue. There is a need for the sale and supply of alcohol to be tightly and appropriately regulated, especially where the risks are high. However, I think members would also agree that the majority of Western Australians enjoy a drink and most do so responsibly. Therefore, the over-regulation of low-risk activities can place an unnecessary burden on our regulators themselves, on our businesses and particularly on social and sporting organisations. Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
I think that all members of this place understand the negative effects of alcohol abuse in our community; it is a pretty sensitive issue. There is a need for the sale and supply of alcohol to be tightly and appropriately regulated, especially where the risks are high. However, I think members would also agree that the majority of Western Australians enjoy a drink and most do so responsibly. Therefore, the over-regulation of low-risk activities can place an unnecessary burden on our regulators themselves, on our businesses and particularly on social and sporting organisations. Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr E.S. Ripper : Low-risk activities like owning a cat! Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON : I will tell the Leader of the Opposition a joke about a cat and liquor one day! Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t think you should put that in Hansard— not that joke! Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON : Ha, ha! Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Members will recall that last year we made amendments to the Liquor Control Act. We included a head of power that gave us the power to make regulations to exempt from the act the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in certain circumstances. Probably the most publicised and the one that we discussed at the time was an amendment to allow the consumption of “bring your own” alcohol in limousines. I am pleased to report that a regulation to give effect to that exemption is now in place. The operators of small charter vehicles licensed to carry no more than 14 passengers now have the flexibility to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol in their vehicles. However, to ensure that adequate controls are in place, we must bear in mind that vehicle operators still have the responsibility to ensure that the liquor licensing laws are observed by intoxicated people and by juveniles in particular. An explicit rule has been introduced into the regulation that BYO alcohol cannot be consumed when the vehicle has been chartered for the purpose of a school function and when one or more of the passengers is a juvenile. That will therefore give some protection in that area. The limit of 14 passengers is designed specifically to cater for limousines. It excludes party buses, because we have no intention to allow the consumption of BYO alcohol on party buses. Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr M.P. Murray : Do charter boats come under this? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr M.P. Murray : Did you forget them? Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Mr T.K. WALDRON : No. I will talk about that afterwards. That is not included in this regulation. Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Member for Mount Lawley, another important exemption has been established for the low-risk functions at which alcohol is sold. Previously, any function at which alcohol was to be sold required an occasional licence, no matter how small the function. We could take the example of a parents and citizens association meeting of 15 or 16 people who afterwards would put in so much money for a can of beer or a glass of wine. Technically speaking, that function had to have an occasional licence. The exemption means that functions which expect to have fewer than 100 attendees and to run for less than two hours, or fewer than 75 attendees to run for less than four hours, and which will finish no later than 10.00 pm do not need an occasional licence. It is no longer required; people can just hold the function. This has been in operation; the regulations have been made. It has been extremely well received. The department itself experienced a noticeable reduction in occasional licence applications, so it is lessening the department’s work time and making it quicker to get licences et cetera. The department has been refunding fees to community groups that no longer need that licence. I have had a lot of good feedback from those community groups. Member for Mount Lawley, when this is coupled with the ability to now provide occasional licences online, the initiative, I think, has brought about a major reduction in those compliance requirements for our community groups. It also keeps the cost low. So, I think it has been a sensible change. Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
Just quickly, other exemptions have been established under these regulations. The member for Perth will be interested in this because he brought this matter to me. An exemption applies for the consumption of BYO alcohol at small live music venues with fewer than 200 people. An exemption also applies for small businesses, such as hairdressers—of which I have little need—and real estate agencies, which can provide a small amount of complimentary alcohol as part of their service. Also, there are exemptions for the sale of alcohol by producers’ associations and farmers’ markets in the agricultural region, so they can carry out such activities. Groups selling tickets for functions that will be held at licensed premises will have exemptions. I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
I wanted to let Parliament know about these changes. They are important for members’ communities, and are an example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape and making things easier, quicker and cost effective. I have an explanatory brochure that I will table so that all members can look at it and understand the situation. [See paper 3899.]
[See paper 3899.]
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