Information for medical practitioners and social workers

Medical practitioners and social workers can apply to the Director of Liquor Licensing (DLL) for a Banned Drinker Order (BDO) to be placed on their patient or client if they believe alcohol is jeopardising the health of that person.

A BDO places a person on the Banned Drinkers Register and restricts their access to alcohol.

Who can apply

You can apply for a BDO for a patient or client if you are:

A medical practitioner

• You must be registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Western Australia) in the medical profession.

A social worker

• You must be a member, or eligible for membership, of the Australian Association of Social Workers Limited

What you must show in your application

The BDO application must demonstrate that the person:

• is misusing or has misused alcohol, and
• that their misuse of alcohol is a serious risk to their own health, safety or wellbeing, or to another person.

A simple or general statement that a person is at risk because of their alcohol intake is not enough to allow a proper assessment of the application. You will need to include evidence that supports your assessment. 

Lodging a BDO application

The DLL will consider making a BDO if satisfied that the: 

• if you are an eligible medical practitioner or social worker
• you use the approved application form i
• you provide proof of the proposed banned drinker’s (PBD) identity
• you show that the person is misusing or has misused liquor

• you show their alcohol misuse is a serious risk to themselves or others

• making a BDO is in the public interest

You are permitted to share patient or client information, including notes, hospital attendance records, test results, photographs to support the application.

Applications must be sent to BDR@lgirs.wa.gov.au 

The DLL may issue an BDO for 3, 6 or 12 months.

After submitting an application

You will receive an email confirming your application has been received. During the review process, the DLL may ask for more information from you.

The proposed banned drinker will receive a copy of the application and all supporting documents. They will also be given an opportunity to submit a response to the application which will be part of the DLL review.

The Director of Liquor Licensing will:

1. consider all information from both parties
2. make a determination
3. notify you of the decision by email
4. notify the proposed banned drinker by registered post.     

Appeals

• the Liquor Commission of Western Australia, or
• the Supreme Court of Western Australia (on a question of law)

A request for a written reason can be made within 28 days of receiving a copy of the order, or a longer period if approved by the DLL. Fees may apply.

Disclaimer

This guide is designed to provide information in regard to the BDO application form, and with the understanding that the Director of Liquor Licensing is not passing legal opinion or interpretation or other professional advice.

Contact

Banned Drinkers Register
Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
PO Box 8349

Perth Business Centre WA 6849

Email BDR@lgirs.wa.gov.au
Telephone (weekdays) (08) 6551 4859