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The register, known as the BDR for short, targets individuals impacted by alcohol and restricts their access to takeaway alcohol by alerting licensees or liquor stores when they scan the customer's identification. It is being trialled in the Pilbara, Kimberley, Goldfields, Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction.

The new Liquor Control Amendment (Banned Drinkers Register) Act 2023, which passed State Parliament last month, has established when and how a banned drinker area or banned drinker order can be applied, as well as measures and penalties for enforcement.

The legislation makes it mandatory for licensees in banned drinker areas to scan eligible photo IDs and decline sales to banned drinkers. Online liquor retailers are also required to check the register before any sale of takeaway alcohol to banned drinker areas.

The changes allow police to register individuals for alcohol-related offences, including alcohol-related violence and drink driving and those offences do not need to occur in or a near a licensed premises for the provision to be used. Medical professionals and social workers can also apply to the Director of Liquor Licensing to add an individual to the register.

Also, it is now an offence to knowingly supply takeaway alcohol to banned individuals, with fines of up to $10,000, and police have powers to seize or dispose of liquor in the possession of someone on the register. The individual can also be issued a banned drinker order.

Another change is that anyone who has access to the BDR, such as bottle shop staff, can be fined up to $10,000 if they disclose details of who is listed on the BDR. This is to protect the privacy of individuals on the BDR and to prevent misuse of the information.

Individuals can voluntarily place themselves on the banned drinkers register at any time, to restrict their access to takeaway alcohol.

The BDR has support from a wide range of stakeholders, including WA Police, local governments, health service providers, the liquor industry and the broader community. The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) is responsible for implementing and managing the BDR on behalf of the State Government.

DLGSC has been working with stakeholders ahead of the implementation of the new laws to raise awareness about the changes and how to access support services. This has included an education campaign to health service providers and the broader community.

The enhanced Banned Drinkers Register will be comprehensively evaluated to determine its future beyond the next two years.