Availability of packaged liquor in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions

In July 2020, the Director of Liquor Licensing (Director) commenced an inquiry under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988 (the Act), to determine whether restrictions should be imposed on the availability of packaged liquor in the following towns:

• Wickham
• Point Samson
• Karratha
• Dampier
• Newman
• Derby
• Broome
• Kununurra
• Wyndham.

The inquiry followed the receipt of reports from the Commissioner of Police (Commissioner) highlighting the negative impacts of alcohol related harm occurring in these towns.

To help inform the inquiry, the Director invited community stakeholders to make submissions on the extent and impact of alcohol related harm in these towns and surrounding communities. Following receipt of those submissions, Licensees in the affected towns were then invited to respond to those submissions by 30 November 2021.

As this is a significant issue, careful consideration needs to be given to the matters raised by the Commissioner before any final determination is made, and procedural fairness is a fundamental aspect of the section 64 process under the Act.

Given the disruption to the process in 2020/21 and further possible disruption in 2022, the consultation period in respect of the above process will be extended until 1 July 2022. It is hoped that this extension will ensure all stakeholders have sufficient time to provide their views and consideration of the evidence.

Further, Licensees who have already provided a submission in respect of the inquiry are welcome to submit additional information within the extended submission period.

If you have any queries on this matter, please contact Ms Mary Ioannidis, Research Support Regulatory Officer, on 61 8 6551 4957.

Finally, thank you to all who have participated in the consultation process so far.