Banned Drinkers Register Legislation

What the Banned Drinkers Register is

Section 152ZH defines the BDR as a register of people who cannot buy packaged alcohol in a BDA have been issued with a one of the following: 

• Prohibition orders 
• Barring notices 
• Banned Drinker Orders (BDOs) 

Types of orders

Prohibition Orders

Issued by the Director of Liquor Licensing (DLL) after a request from the Commissioner of Police. They can last for up to five years.

Barring Notices

Issued by the Commissioner of Police when someone commits an alcohol‑related offence in or near a licensed venue.

BDOs can be issued in three ways:

• By Police for any alcohol‑related offence. These bans last 3, 6 or 12 months, dependant on the number and severity of offences.
• By medical practitioners or social workers, if alcohol misuse is harming a person’s health, their family or their community.
• By voluntary self‑referral, where a person can submit a request to the DLL. They can request removal at any time.

What retailers must do

Retailers selling takeaway alcohol in BDAs must take part in the BDR system.
Staff must:

• scan an approved photo ID for every purchase
• check the BDR device
• refuse the sale if the person is listed on the BDR

What customers must do

Anyone purchasing takeaway alcohol in a BDA must:

• show approved photo ID every time
• never purchase alcohol for someone who is on the BDR

Offences and Penalties

• A third party purchasing packaged liquor for a banned drinker may result in a BDO being issued to the purchaser, and a penalty of $10,000.
  

WA police have the authority to seize and dispose of liquor found in the possession a banned drinker.