11 December 2025 | The Australian Hotels Association (WA) welcomes the WA Liquor Control Act Amendment Bill 2025 passing through Parliament today, paving the way for long-awaited hospitality reforms to take effect before the 2025 festive season.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the WA Government’s move to fast-track final approval of the amendments will allow venues and consumers to benefit from modernised trading conditions in time for Christmas and many more to take effect in the New Year.
“The AHA(WA)’s strong advocacy has ensured these long-overdue reforms passed before the end of the year, allowing hospitality venues and patrons to enjoy simpler and more contemporary trading arrangements commencing this festive season,” Mr Woods said.
“These amendments reflect the needs of today’s hospitality industry and will deliver practical, immediate benefits for venues across the State. The ability for pubs, hotels and bars to operate with clearer, more consistent rules is a significant win for industry, staff and customers.”
Under the reforms, Good Friday, Christmas Day and ANZAC Day trading hours will be aligned with standard Sunday trading, and outdated meal-only liquor service requirements for pubs, hotels and bars on Good Friday and Christmas Day will be removed.
“Christmas Day restrictions being removed was a priority for the AHA(WA), and we are pleased to see commonsense changes finally enacted,” Mr Woods said.
Key amendments include:
- Removing the burden of venues being required to renew extended trading permits
- Increasing small bar capacity limits from 120 to 150 patrons
- Enabling the use of modern forms of identification, including approved digital ID
- Introducing significant increases to sly-grogging offences
- Updating penalties across the Act to reflect inflation
- Strengthening powers for authorised officers in relation to liquor-restricted premises
- Modernising and clarifying provisions throughout the Act, including the role of the Director of Liquor Licensing
- Spirits producers are now allowed to sell diluted or mixed drinks
For further information, please contact Kim Forrester, media & communications executive, on 0411 777 593 or email mecom@ahawa.asn.au
The AHA(WA) is the authoritative voice for the hospitality and accommodation industry in Western Australia. Since 1892, we have protected and developed the interests of our members, through strong representation and the pursuit of industry excellence. Our mission is to ensure the hospitality industry remains a vital part of the Australian way of life and to amplify the voices of those we represent.
