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• Feedback sought on ways to improve the BDR.
• Pilbara BDR trial evaluated by UWA to inform 4-week consultation.

The BDR restricts access to takeaway alcohol for consumers whose drinking is causing harm. There are 3 ways to end up on the register:

1. Prohibition Orders
2. Barring Notices
3. voluntary self-nomination.

In areas where the BDR operates — across the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields — anyone buying takeaway packaged liquor must present an eligible form of ID to be scanned at the point of sale. Scanners will immediately notify the seller if the customer is on the BDR.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) engaged the University of Western Australia (UWA) to produce the Pilbara BDR Interim Evaluation Report, which identified potential scheme improvements such as:

• extra ways for people to be put on the BDR
• stronger links with associated support services
• increasing community awareness in places where the BDR operates.

The consultation aims to gather views and experiences of individuals, communities, and relevant organisations on the harmful impacts of alcohol consumption in Western Australia.

How the State Government does that, taking into consideration WA’s vastness and diversity, presents unique policy-development challenges and makes consultation vital. In addition to the potential scheme improvements identified in the evaluation report, a range of options being canvassed include:

• Making the BDR mandatory for all licensed takeaway alcohol premises in areas where the BDR operates.
• Creating an offence for knowingly supplying liquor to a person who is on the BDR.
• Giving the police powers to seize or dispose of liquor if it is in the possession of a person who is registered on the BDR due to a Barring Notice or Prohibition Order.
• Requiring online liquor retailers to check the BDR before going ahead with the sale.

The consultation period is 4 weeks from 29 September 2022. DLGSC wants to hear from community, industry, local governments, police, State Government agencies, and the health and support services sector.

Have your say on the proposed amendments

Background

In December 2020, the State Government, through DLGSC, started a 2-year BDR trial in the Pilbara. Subsequent BDR trials commenced in the Kimberley in July 2021 and the Goldfields in March 2022.

As at 12 September 2022, BDR numbers per region were as follows: