The McGowan Government's Banned Drinkers Register will begin rolling out across the northern Goldfields this week, following trials in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
The State Government has allocated $2.52 million to the trial, which aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by restricting access to takeaway liquor for problem drinkers with barring orders or prohibition notices.
The trial will begin with a soft launch period, where customers will be allowed to make purchases without presenting scannable identification.
This one-month grace period will allow licensees and patrons to become familiar with the scanners, and the need to provide personal identification when buying takeaway liquor.
Following this period, if a person does not have approved photo identification, they won't be able to buy takeaway liquor.
Seven licensed Goldfields premises will take part in the initial rollout, including the Broad Arrow Tavern; the Desert Inn Hotel in Laverton; Central Hotel and White House Hotel in Leonora; Grand Hotel in Kookynie; Gold 'n Nickel Bar and Bistro in Leinster; and Menzies Hotel.
Beginning mid-February 2022, the Banned Drinkers Register will be rolled out across the broader Goldfields region, including premises in Kalgoorlie, Dundas and Coolgardie.
All other restrictions and measures in place across the Goldfields will not be impacted by the commencement of the Banned Drinkers Register trial.
For more information visit http://www.dlgsc.wa.go.au/bdr
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Banned Drinkers Register trial in the Pilbara and Kimberley is showing early signs of success - already it appears to be reducing the impact of alcohol related harm and we hope to see this replicated in the Goldfields.
"Our experience has been that a soft launch is useful to remind customers of the need to obtain a scannable form of identification, to check whether they were on the Banned Drinkers Register, and to allow licensees and customers time to become familiar with the new technology.
"Information on how to access support services to those that wish to better manage their alcohol consumption is provided at the point of sale.
"The State Government is committed to reducing alcohol related harm and I would like to congratulate all those that have made this trial possible, and for the wonderful support from Goldfields' licensees and local governments."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"Alcohol abuse and the destructive behaviour that comes with it are long-running issues in the Goldfields and I'm pleased the McGowan Government is tackling this head-on.
"There is no easy fix to this problem but the Banned Drinkers Register trial is just one way the State Government is working to reduce alcohol related harm in the Goldfields.
"It's great to see licensees and local governments get on board with this important initiative and I'm confident that like the Pilbara and Kimberley we'll also start to see the positive impact of this trial soon."
