WA Information-Gathering Powers and Higher Fines for Liquor Licensees

Liquor Control Amendment Bill 2025

11 Dec 2025: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

Legislative Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

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Topics

alcohol licensing business regulation digital identification liquor laws police information privacy

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The Director can force people to provide information via written notice; failure to comply carries a $15,000 fine
The Director and the Tribunal must not publish police information classified as confidential by the Commissioner of Police
People can prove their age by showing an original digital ID on a phone or electronic device
Fines go up for licensees, managers, and employees who break liquor laws
The Director must refuse applications to alter licensed premises unless the owner consents
Only people proposing to run the business can apply for a liquor licence
Local governments have the same powers over licensed premises as they do over unlicensed ones
The law ends subsidies for liquor licensees

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Matthew Swinbourn ALP

“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. The Cook government is committed to growing Western Australia’s hospitality and tourism sectors, boosting our night-time economy and supporting vibrancy, small businesses and jobs. The Liquor Control Amendment Bill 2025 will modernise the Liquor Control Act 1988 by reflecting changing business models and addressing community expectations.”

Official source →

Caitlin Collins ALP

“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. The Cook government is committed to growing Western Australia’s hospitality and tourism sectors, boosting our night-time economy and supporting vibrancy, small businesses and jobs. The Liquor Control Amendment Bill 2025 will modernise the Liquor Control Act 1988 by reflecting changing business models and addressing community expectations.”

Official source →