Police and courts will be given enhanced powers when it comes to steering problem drinkers towards the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR), if new proposals are adopted in Western Australia.

The West Australian Government has put forward a number of new proposals following the publication of an interim report into the BDR trials currently underway in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields regions of the state.

Now, feedback from the industry and the public is invited with the government’s ultimate aim being to strengthen the trials, particularly in relation to drink driving and violence.

Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti said: "Drink driving and violent offences are big contributors to alcohol-related harm - this consultation is about creating avenues for people convicted of these offences to be put on the BDR.

 "It will also look at providing another sentencing tool for magistrates in dealing with problem drinkers that frequent our courtrooms.”

If the proposals are approved, police will be able to place problem drinkers on the BDR for alcohol related offences occurring outside a licensed premises and courts and WA Police will also be able to include placement on the BDR as a part of bail or parole conditions.

The proposals have been welcomed by industry bodies, Australian Hotels Association WA and Retail Drinks.

AHA (WA) CEO Bradley Woods said, “The AHA has advocated for a BDR for over a decade and we are committed to working with licensees, the community and government to deliver improvements that will ensure its success.”

Woods said that the AHA WA supports better support service to those on the register as well as empowering front line service providers to identify individuals who are likely suitable candidates to be added to the BDR.

“We strongly support providing the judiciary and WA Police with the tools they require to ensure those with a known history of alcohol-related offences are added to the register quickly and easily,” he said.

Retail Drinks’ CEO, Michael Waters praised the WA Government’s collaborative approach in developing and implementing the BDR over the past several years.

He said, “We have previously worked closely with the WA Government on the effective roll-out of the BDR in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields regions and will comment on the specific details of the BDR reforms during the consultation period, noting our in-principle support of a targeted approach to harm minimisation policy, rather than all-of-population measures. “

The government’s amendments include:

  • expanding pathways for problem drinkers to be put on the register
  • making the BDR mandatory for all licensed takeaway alcohol premises in areas where the BDR operates;
  • minimising secondary supply by creating an offence for knowingly supplying liquor to a person who is on the BDR;
  • giving police powers to seize or dispose of liquor in the possession of a person registered on the BDR
  • requiring online liquor retailers to check the BDR ahead of sale.

 "Minimising the harmful impacts of alcohol consumption to individuals, families and whole communities is an ongoing priority for the McGowan Government. How we do that, taking into consideration the State's vastness and diversity, presents us with unique policy development challenges, and this makes consultation vital,” said Dr Buti.

The four week consultation period is now open until Thurdsday, 27 October. To make a comment, please visit: Have a say on Banned Drinkers Register

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