Changes to the State’s liquor regulations announced yesterday will enable tourism operators to offer more customer-friendly experiences while reducing red tape and costs for businesses, according to Tourism Council WA.
Under reforms which come into effect today, businesses which have completed the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program will be able to provide the type and amount of complimentary alcohol that best serves their customers’ needs without a liquor licence. Tourism Minister Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA announced the changes at the 2017 WA Regional Tourism Conference in Albany.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the changes would reduce regulatory costs for businesses, improve tourism product and allow tourism operators to better meet the expectations of visitors.
“With the removal of previous restrictions, tour operators will be able to offer great food and wine experiences featuring local produce without the costs and process of obtaining a liquor licence,” he said.
“Accredited Tourism Businesses are genuine tourism businesses that have completed an assessment process to ensure they are operating to industry best practice and meet their legal obligations.
Accredited tour, accommodation, attraction and retail businesses can now offer hospitality experiences such as:
- Provide a complimentary self-service mini bar in guest area, room or safari tent.
- Advertise a six-course degustation menu including complimentary matching wines.
- Place bottles of wine on a table for guest self-service during a meal.
- Provide an esky of cold beers to guests at a BBQ dinner.
- Create a dining experience with alcohol at an attraction such as a lighthouse or historic building.
Tourism operators will need the permission of land owners or managers to apply the exemption on their property. Permission has already been granted for the exemption to apply in Western Australia’s National Parks for Accredited Tourism Businesses.
Other conditions include that the supply of the alcohol must be a secondary extra to a tour (i.e. not provided at an additional cost) and either the person in charge of the business, leading the tour or pouring alcohol must have completed a Responsible Service of Alcohol course.
Source: Tourism Council WA