Charter vessel liquor licence compliance checks

Alcohol and maritime activities can be a deadly mix, and the safety of all persons on board charter vessels, or ‘party boats’, is of paramount importance.

Officers from DLGSC’s Liquor Division and WA Police’s Liquor Enforcement Unit have joined forces under Operation Chale to undertake random compliance checks of charter vessel operations involving the sale, supply, or presence of alcohol.

The type of licence required for a function on a ‘party boat’ depends on the size of the function and whether the charter is a one-off event, or if the operator conducts regular charters. An Approved Manager and appropriately trained staff may be required to be onboard for larger events, and during Operation Chale DLGSC inspectors will check that those requirements are being met.

Organisers may be exempt from obtaining a licence if the function is for a limited duration and only involves a small number of people with limited alcohol being served, or if those onboard supply their own alcohol. However, in all circumstances, alcohol must be served responsibly and can never be served to juveniles or intoxicated people.

With the support of Water Police and the Department of Transport, random compliance checks can occur anywhere on the water, not just at points of departure or arrival. Checks may be undertaken in relation to the holding of an appropriate liquor license where required, the presence of Approved Managers and suitably trained staff, and the responsible service of alcohol.

While educating vessel operators, Approved Managers and staff of their legal requirements will be the primary objective, serious breaches of the law may result in infringements or charges.

Lanie Chopping, Director of Liquor Licensing said “Whether on land or on water, liquor laws apply and operators of party boats or organisers of one-off, on-water functions need to be aware of their obligations.

“While small functions or BYO events may not need a licence, the operators of charter boats must be aware of their responsibility to ensure alcohol is being consumed safely. This is particularly important when the venue is surrounded by water and may not be easily accessed by emergency services.

“Operation Chale is an important multi-agency educational initiative that recognises the dangers that exist if liquor laws are ignored, and people onboard become intoxicated. Our aim is to make sure summer festivities on charter boats go ahead in a safe and responsible manner by engaging with operators, and educating them about the requirements is a year-round activity for us.”