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Purpose

This factsheet summarises the requirement for licensees to provide free drinking water for their patrons.

Who this policy applies to

Any licensee who provides alcohol for patrons to consume at the premises or place associated with their licence or permit.¹

Legislative requirements

Licensees must provide free drinking water whenever alcohol is being provided for consumption on the licensed premises.² The fine for not doing this is $10,000 for a licensee, and $4000 for an approved manager.

Operational requirements

Providing free water at all times is a key practice in the responsible service of alcohol. There are many ways a licensee can comply with the requirement of providing free drinking water. For example, this could be by providing:

• water jugs and glasses at bar service areas
• water fountains located throughout the venue.

For the requirement for free drinking water to have been met, the water must be easily accessible, clean, refreshed regularly and meet reasonable expectations of being fit to drink. For example, none of the following would meet the requirement to provide free drinking water:

• a single water station in a busy queuing area which is difficult for patrons to access
• a jug of water kept outside for hours on a hot day
• the presence of tap water in the toilet facilities.

Of course, licensees can provide bottled or sparkling water for patrons to purchase, but this will not meet the requirement for providing free drinking water.

Additional guidance

Further information on licence requirements is available, or contact 61 8 6551 4888.

Disclaimer

The factsheet on this subject is general information and is not professional advice or a legal opinion. The information is provided on the understanding that any person reading it must take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy.

Notes

1. The requirement to provide water applies to licensed premises. The LC Act at 3(1) defines a licensed premises to include a building or place that is associated with the licence or permit.
2. LC Act s115.