Report alcohol offences by businesses

The sale and supply of alcohol in Western Australia is governed by the Liquor Control Act 1988 (as amended) which also outlines minimising harm or ill-health caused to people due to the use of alcohol.
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An individual or business who wishes to sell and supply liquor in Western Australia must apply for a liquor licence. This includes using premises for a function or party.

Contact police on 131 444, in person at your local police station, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to report the sale of liquor to juveniles or to report people selling liquor without a licence (also known as 'sly grogging').

Trading hours of licensed premises

It is illegal for pubs and clubs to sell and serve alcohol outside their permitted trading hours as specified under the Liquor Control Act (1988). 

Premises may apply for Extended Trading Permits at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Under-age drinking on licensed premises

It is illegal to sell or supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years on licensed premises and carries a penalty of:

  • licensee or manager: $1,000 infringement or maximum $10,000 fine.
  • employee: $400 infringement or maximum $4,000 fine.
  • any other person: $200 infringement or maximum $2,000 fine.

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to consume alcohol on licensed premises (e.g. pubs, nightclubs) or possess or bring alcohol on to licensed premises.

 
It is also illegal for anyone under 18 to remain on licensed premises except under specific circumstances outlined in the Liquor Control Act 1988. The penalties for the individual are:

  • $200 infringement or maximum $2,000 fine.

Proof of age

These are the only acceptable forms of photo ID:

  • current Australian Driver's Licence with photograph
  • current passport
  • another prescribed document:
    • current WA photo card
    • current Australian Learner driver permit with photograph
    • current hard copy proof of age card (known as a "Keypass identity card")
    • current photo card issued under the Photo Card Act 2005 (New South Wales)
    • current card issued under the law of another state or territory that is equivalent to a proof of age card or a photo card.

Refusing service of alcohol

It is an offence for employers or employees of licensed premises to sell or supply alcohol to a drunken person and carries a penalty of:

  • licensee or manager: $1,000 infringement or maximum $10,000 fine
  • employee: $400 infringement or maximum $4,000 fine
  • any other person: $200 infringement or maximum $2,000 fine.

Entry into licensed premises may be refused for reasons such as drunkenness, disorderly behaviour, unacceptable dress, false or insufficient photo identification, or being under-age. 

View the policy statement regarding mandatory training in the responsible service of alcohol.

Liquor Accords

Liquor Accords are local voluntary agreements between the liquor industry, the WA Police Force, local government authorities and the WA Department of Health. 

Find out more on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website.

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