The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed the WA Government’s commitment to modernise liquor laws, aligning Western Australia with community expectations and supporting the state’s hospitality and tourism industry.The WA Cook Government has committed to reforming licensing laws so that from next year, pubs, bars and other authorised licensed venues will be permitted to sell alcohol without a meal on Good Friday. Under the reforms, venues will be able to trade from 10am to midnight on Good Friday, Christmas Day and ANZAC Day, removing restrictions that have long limited consumer choice.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the announcement demonstrates the State Government’s continued commitment to cutting red tape and boosting WA’s appeal as a vibrant, year-round destination.
“Good Friday will indeed become an even greater Friday, with pubs, bars and other authorised licensed venues able to serve alcohol without the requirement for a meal,” Mr Woods said.
“It’s a long-overdue change that reflects modern community expectations and allows hospitality and tourism businesses to meet consumer needs.
“These changes will also support the tens of thousands of Western Australians who work in hospitality, and wish to work on those days,” Mr Woods said.
While the legislative reforms will be introduced to Parliament later this year, interim relaxation of rules have already provided some relief. In 2025, venues could apply for occasional licences to trade on Good Friday if entertainment was provided — more than 100 applications were received, more than double the number in 2024.
Other proposed changes welcomed by the AHA(WA) include:
- Eliminating the need for hospitality operators to repeatedly reapply for extended trading permits, saving businesses time and legal costs
- Increasing the capacity of small bars from 120 to 150 patrons, enhancing their flexibility and viability.
“These reforms recognise the important role hospitality plays in our economy, our culture, and our community,” Mr Woods said. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the government to ensure Western Australia remains a world-class destination for dining, entertainment and leisure.”
