The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is developing legislation to strengthen the Banned Drinkers Register following trials in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields regions.
The move follows the Department’s consideration of feedback from a consultation process in September last year.
New laws are now being drafted to improve its effectiveness.
The legislation will make the Banned Drinkers Register mandatory for licensees in selected areas.
It will allow police and the courts to register individuals for alcohol-related offending, including alcohol-related violence and drink driving, not just in or near licensed premises.
Health professionals and specialist front-line staff would also be able to refer individuals.
The changes would require online liquor retailers to check the Register before going ahead with any sale. It would also be an offence to knowingly supply liquor to banned individuals.
Further to that, police will have the power to seize or dispose of liquor in the possession of someone on the Register.
Following visits from Premier, Mark McGowan and Minister for Racing and Gaming, Reece Whitby, the trial will be expanded to Carnarvon.
The legislation will be introduced to Parliament as soon as possible.
Mr Whitby said that while an enhanced Banned Drinkers Register was 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”.
