Information for licensees

Important information about the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) for liquor licence holders and staff.

BDR Law

Following the review of the BDR trial in the Pilbara by the University of Western Australia and public consultation, the Minister for Racing and Gaming announced on 2 March 2023 that the State Government would be introducing new legislation to strengthen the effectiveness of the BDR, including:

  • establishing the program in legislation
  • making the BDR mandatory for all licensed premises able to sell takeaway alcohol where the BDR operates
  • expanding pathways for people causing or experiencing alcohol-related harm to be placed on the BDR
  • giving police powers to seize and/or dispose of takeaway alcohol in the possession of a person registered on the BDR.

The BDR is an additional mechanism to help reduce alcohol-related harm in the community.

A takeaway Alcohol Management System (TAMS) also operates in parts of Western Australia. The BDR does not replace the TAMS or other liquor restrictions that are in place.

The BDR utilises cloud-based technology with an encrypted database of persons on the register. The information is also held locally at licensed premises’ desktop scanners to facilitate trade in case an external connection is lost or interrupted. The DLGSC has engaged a third-party service provider to deliver the IT solution and hardware infrastructure for the operation of the system.

All information held within the register is subject to the DLGSC’s information security and privacy protocols and will only be released in accordance with relevant provisions of the Liquor Control Act 1988 (the Act) or other relevant and applicable legislation.

Areas the BDR is in effect

The BDR is in full effect in the:

Roles and responsibilities

Licensees and retail staff must:

  • participate in the program by scanning an eligible photo ID of purchasers in every transaction
  • not sell packaged liquor to purchasers who are banned
  • not sell packaged liquor to purchasers who do not present an eligible photo ID
  • record issues such as lack of internet connectivity or other issues that prevent the use of the BDR scanning device on the incident register
  • display relevant posters and other information regarding the BDR on their premises
  • maintain the scanning units clean and free of dust as practicable
  • contact the helpdesk regarding any system-related issues as soon as practicable
  • contact the BDR team regarding any unresolved issues, or for any support required
  • provide feedback on the ongoing operations of the system as relevant
  • in the event of temporary or permanent closure, suspension of trade, change of ownership, notify the BDR Team as soon as possible so that arrangements are made for the return of equipment provided (for example, scanning unit, dongles).

The DLGSC will provide full support to licensees during the period of the trial, including:

  • training, demonstrations, and other relevant information to impacted licensees
  • manuals and all relevant procedural documentation
  • support the operation of the BDR system in liaison with the service provider
  • support a dedicated helpline available during trading hours through the service provider
  • support through the BDR team during business hours, including a dedicated email address
  • engage with licensees regularly to provide support, seek feedback and suggestions for improvement
  • ensure data and information stored in the system is maintained securely
  • facilitate an external evaluation of the trial
  • develop suitable communications, training and promotional materials for licensees, purchasers and other relevant stakeholders.

Section 115(4) bans

The Act provides the licensees with the ability to refuse entry to people for various reasons, such as being drunk and behaving offensively among others.

The scanning devices facilitate the recording and management of s.115 bans imposed by licensees on patrons for that premises.

Much like the BDR, if a person subject to a ban issued by a licensee attempts to purchase liquor, the scanning device will alert the staff member.

Licensees who use the scanning devices for recording of bans from their premises do so voluntarily. The DLGSC takes no responsibility for the information entered by licensees or for the decisions made in respect of barrings issued under s.115 of the Act.

BDR user manuals

BDR helpdesk

The BDR helpdesk is operated by the service provider, and can be contacted on:

Email support@scantek.com
Telephone 1300 552 106 (select option 4)

BDR identification

People wishing to purchase takeaway liquor must produce an approved and scannable form of ID where the BDR is in place.

Current approved forms of identification are:

  • all Australian Proof of Age Cards (includes WA Photo Card and Australia Post Keypass)
  • all Australian drivers licences (or international drivers licences in English showing name, date of birth and photo)
  • all Australian or international passports (ICAO standard).

Full list of approved forms of ID

If a customer doesn't have approved photo identification, you will not be able to sell them takeaway alcohol. There are no exemptions to the requirement to produce identification.

Application for identification can be made in person at a Regional Department of Transport (DOT) centre or agent, where you will need to supply a combination of 5 original identity documents to verify your full name, date of birth and current residential address.

Contact a Department of Transport Licensing Centre for a full list of suitable identity documents or for further information on how to apply for photo ID.

If you are registered with the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation (AAC) they may be able to assist you with obtaining identification.

The department operates a 7 day a week helpline to resolve issues as they arise.

Contact

You can contact the department with any questions about the BDR by post, email or telephone:

Banned Drinkers Register
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
PO Box 8349 Perth Business Centre WA 6849

Email BDR@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
Telephone (weekdays) 61 8 6551 4859

Page reviewed 23 February 2024

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