The McGowan Government is progressing the implementation of a trial of a Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) in the Pilbara, with the release today of a tender request outlining the requirements of the system.
The BDR is an important initiative that will ensure people on the register will not be able to purchase takeaway anywhere in the Pilbara.
The initiative is the result of important collaboration between State Government and the Pilbara liquor industry.
The program is designed to target problem drinkers. Once the system is implemented, everyone who purchases takeaway liquor will be required to produce a scannable and accepted form of identification.
Any person who does not have existing valid identification will be assisted to attain it prior to the trial’s commencement.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) is administering the trial, today releasing a detailed tender request to market which outlines the system’s requirements. Potential vendors have four weeks to respond.
The tender request also includes functionality to support Takeaway Alcohol Management System (TAMS). The TAMS functionality may be used to support existing liquor restrictions outside of the Pilbara.
To allow for the evaluation of Pilbara BDR trial, the TAMS functionality will not be used in conjunction with the BDR trial.
In anticipation of the commencement of the BDR trial, DLGSC will shortly facilitate a number of workshops for licensees and other stakeholders throughout the region. A range of communication and information materials for licensees, stakeholders, support service providers and the broader public will also be developed.
The trial of the BDR in the Pilbara will commence as soon as possible following the tender process and will run for two years.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
“Today’s tender release represents a significant milestone in the McGowan Government’s work to address alcohol-related harm in the region.
“The banned drinkers register is an important initiative to improve social and health outcomes for people in the Pilbara. It is designed to target problem drinkers by preventing them from purchasing takeaway liquor.
“The initiative aims to specifically target people with alcohol problems, providing an alternative approach to blanket restrictions which would impact the entire community.
“The trial will run for two years and will be evaluated by The University of Western Australia.
“I would like to thank Australian Hotels Association (WA) and the Liquor Stores Association of WA for their collaborative work progressing this important program.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“I am so pleased the Minister and this Government have listened to my ongoing advocacy on behalf of the Pilbara.
“We want to see if a targeted measure can work more effectively than subjecting every responsible consumer to restrictions.
“My office will be open to constituents who have any questions during the trial. I look forward to working with the community on this important project.”
