The McGowan Government’s Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) trial in the Pilbara region has begun today (December 1).
Anyone purchasing takeaway alcohol would require approved photo ID for scanning at the point of sale.
The two-year trial has started with a month’s grace period to allow consumers and licensees time to get used to the new system.
However, from January 4, 2021 if a person does not have approved photo identification they will not be able to purchase takeaway alcohol.
Western Australian company Scantek has provided technology that will scan an ID and display a green light if the sale can proceed or a red light if the individual is a registered banned drinker and cannot legally be sold takeaway alcohol.
Approved photo ID includes a current Australian or international driver’s licence, a current Australian or international passport or an Australian government-issued photo ID card.
Those identified as banned drinkers will be directed to appropriate community services to provide access to relevant support programs and initiatives.
People who would like to voluntarily remove their access to takeaway alcohol can also be placed on the BDR.
The University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute will evaluate the concept’s effectiveness and its potential to be used as a measure to prevent alcohol-related harm in other parts of the State.
For more information, visit https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/BDR
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
“This is the result of a lot of work overcoming many hurdles, and I am very pleased that the McGowan Government has found a way forward after extensive industry and community consultation.
“The Banned Drinkers Register will make a significant difference to communities in the Pilbara and to the lives of individuals and their families.
“We have launched the two-year trial today with a month’s grace period so people can start getting used to providing approved photo ID when they purchase takeaway alcohol.
“But from January 4 it will be a requirement under the register, which has a lot of community support, to provide approved ID.
“This trial also provides support for problem drinkers, and will be evaluated by The University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute to gain a better understanding of the BDR’s effectiveness to reduce alcohol-related harm and if it should be used more widely around the State.”
