Retail Drinks Australia (Retail Drinks) has today welcomed WA Labor’s pre-election commitment that a re-elected McGowan Government would pursue significant policy reforms to the state’s Liquor Control Act.

Retail Drinks CEO Michael Waters welcomed the proposed reforms including a simplification of the liquor licensing application process as well as an expedited and cheaper approvals process.

“We welcome today’s election commitment from WA Labor to improve the state’s liquor licensing system ensuring that the licence application process is a simple and straight-forward process, with minimal costs borne by the licensee.

“Whilst we await further detail concerning this policy, we welcome this collaborative approach towards reducing the red tape and cost burden associated with the state’s liquor licensing system, helping to ensure that all liquor retailers continue to have the freedom to retail responsibly.

Waters re-iterated Retail Drinks’ commitment to working in close collaboration with the WA Government to secure positive policy outcomes on behalf of the state’s retail liquor sector.

“Retail Drinks is proud to have worked in close collaboration with the Western Australian Government on behalf of the state’s retail liquor sector, helping to achieve a number of key reforms including the roll-out of Banned Drinker Registers in various regions across the state.

“We look forward to being a central part of the stakeholder consultation process on these newly announced reforms should the McGowan Government be re-elected at the March state election.” Waters said.