WA government strengthens BDR & rolls out to Carnarvon

The Western Australian Government has introduced legislation to make the Banned Drinkers Register mandatory for licensees in selected areas.

It is just one of the ways in which the government is seeking to strengthen the BDR following trials in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields regions, and now Carnarvon which is set to undergo its own BDR trial in response to high rates of youth crime in the region.

The new legislation will also allow police and the courts to add individuals to the BDR for alcohol-related offending, including alcohol-related violence and drink driving, and for health professionals and specialist frontline staff will also be able to refer individuals.

Online liquor retailers will be required to check the BDR before going ahead with any sale and it will be an offence to knowingly supply liquor to banned individuals.

The WA Government says the new laws follow consultation with police, local government, service providers, and the newly-formed liquor as well as recent visits to the regions by the Premier and Racing and Gaming Minister, Reece Whitby (pictured above with Premier Mark McGowan).

"While an enhanced Banned Drinkers Register will not be a cure all, we're taking immediate steps to roll it out in Carnarvon and I'm confident it will help address alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour," said Mr Whitby.

AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the proposed legislative changes were strongly supported by industry, who are committed to ensuring the policy succeeds in addressing alcohol-related harm.

“Targeted policies, such as the Banned Drinkers Register are more effective, and have far more community support, than blanket restrictions," said Mr Woods.

“We particularly welcome the enhanced ability for WA Police, frontline staff and the judiciary to place problem drinkers on the register, either via Barring Notices or through court orders.”

Mr Woods said that the BDR trail to Carnarvon will provide authorities with 'a powerful weapon to target those who are causing harm in the Mid West'.