Review of the Liquor Control Act 1988 announced

In March this year, The Hon. Terry Waldron, MLA, Minister for Racing and Gaming announced his intention to commission a full public review of the Liquor Control Act 1988.  With the passage of time since then and approach of the State election one could be excused for thinking the matter was not progressing.  However, today the Minister announced the review committee members and terms of reference.  The review process is now well and truly under way.

Mr John Atkins has been appointed to chair the committee with committee members Mr Ian Stanley and Ms Nicole Roocke.

The review terms of reference are as follows:

The committee is to review and consider matters relevant to the operation and effectiveness of the Liquor Control Act 1988, having regard to the changing community needs and attitudes relating to the accessibility of liquor and related services.
In considering the interest and needs of the West Australian community, the committee is to have particular regard to:

• balancing the requirement of consumers for liquor and related services with minimizing harm or ill-health caused to people or any group of people, due to the use of liquor;

• the interests and needs of persons selling or supplying liquor; and

• the interests and needs of the tourism industry and other hospitality industries in this state.

Lavan Legal Comment

With such a wide brief arguably the whole of the legislation potentially is up for consideration.  In the next weeks and months it will be most interesting to observe how the review process is conducted and what is likely to emerge.  One thing is for sure, there is no guarantee that any or much of the current Liquor Control Act 1988 will remain unaffected.