Flexibility around functions
According to the Department of Racing Gaming and Liquor’s 2012-13 Annual Report on 30 June 2013, there were 979 clubs in Western Australia that had a Liquor License. With a total of around 4,500 licensed premises, that means clubs represent over 20% of all WA’s licensees.
Clubs therefore remain the largest group of licensees in this state.
And given the fact that clubs have traditionally been formed by communities as a way of bringing together locals with a shared interest, it’s perhaps not surprising that there are more licensed clubs than any other on-premises license types.
The numbers clearly show that whether it be because of our location, connections to the local community, culture and atmosphere or non-commercial imperatives, people like to socialise in clubs.
However, under the current highly restrictive liquor licensing laws clubs are simply not allowed to offer their facilities for many types of functions and events.
Quite simply, we know that there is a demand for greater availability and variety of safe venues that is currently not being met and Clubs would like the opportunity to cater to this need.
Importantly, we believe a more flexible approach to the current outdated and protectionist laws will serve to encourage and grow the hospitality sector overall, not damage any particular segment.
While we acknowledge that some commercial licensees may fear that any change to their current monopoly could reduce their income, we hold the view that a small adjustment to the law would allow clubs to service a currently unmet need.
In short:
We propose that any change to the law should enable Clubs to offer their facilities for a greater range of functions and events.
