The McGowan Government has introduced new regulations to strengthen requirements around the home delivery of liquor to help minimise alcohol-related harm.
The new measures will see bans on unattended same day deliveries and the delivery of alcohol between the hours of midnight and 6am.
Additionally for same day delivery orders, anyone accepting a liquor delivery must show identification to prove they are over 18.
Consultation has taken place with the industry, public health bodies and delivery companies following the proposed amendments.
The key provisions of the regulations are:
- liquor cannot be left unattended for same day delivery purchases – anyone accepting a liquor delivery must show identification to prove they are over 18;
- if liquor is delivered on a day after the day it was ordered, it can only be left unattended if the customer has specifically requested this and it cannot be left in a place that is visible to passers-by;
- liquor must be delivered within the hours permitted by the licence but never between midnight and 9am for same day deliveries and never between midnight and 6am for other deliveries;
- liquor cannot be delivered to an intoxicated person, to a liquor restricted premises or to a liquor restricted community; and
- for same day deliveries, the person delivering the liquor must have completed a Responsible Service of Alcohol training course or an alternative course of training approved by the Director of Liquor Licensing.
The regulations will come into effect on February 1, 2022 and will be reviewed after 18 months with feedback from the relevant stakeholders.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby:
“The way we purchase alcohol is changing, but with this comes the increased risk of alcohol-related harm.
“The State Government’s move to tighten regulations around alcohol home deliveries is just another way we are working to reduce alcohol abuse and the destructive behaviour that comes with it.
“By introducing a requirement to show ID upon delivery, we are minimising the risk but not imposing an unreasonable burden on consumers who require the flexibility of unattended home deliveries.”
