Banned Drinkers Register (BDR)

Reducing alcohol-related harm and ill-health in communities by restricting access to takeaway alcohol.

The Liquor Control Act 1988 (the Act) provides the framework for the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) to reduce alcohol‑related harm in Western Australia. As part of this work, the department has introduced several measures, including the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR). 

The BDR is a register of people who have been issued a Prohibition Order, Barring Notice or Banned Drinker Order These orders prevent them from buying takeaway alcohol in designated Banned Drinker Area. 

To buy takeaway alcohol, customers must show approved photo ID for scanning on a BDR scanning device. The scanner checks their name and date of birth against the BDR. If the person is on the register, an alert will be displayed and service must be refused.

The BDR program is supported by key stakeholders including WA Police, local governments, health service providers, the liquor industry and the broader community.

Information collected by the BDR scanning devices is managed under the department’s information security and privacy protocols. Information is only released as permitted by the Act or other applicable legislation.

Page reviewed 27 March 2026