Licensees of bars, clubs and restaurants could sell limited amounts of alcohol with any home-delivered meal or pick-up food order, under mooted legislation to be tabled in State Parliament within days.The changes, which has industry support, will allow patrons to buy either two bottles of wine or a single bottle and one of a choice from a six-pack of beer, cider as well as pre-mixed spirits with their food.Similar temporary changes to liquor laws were introduced at the height of the pandemic in March, which allowed hospitality venues to continue COVID-19 safe trading.In response to The Advertiser’s inquiries, Premier Steven Marshall and Attorney-General Vickie Chapman – who oversees licencing laws – revealed the changes will be unveiled today.Mr Marshall said his government was “committed to backing business, and supporting local jobs – and this permanent change helps to do just that”. He said government officials had deemed the temporary COVID-19 measures successful over the past nine months and would help a hospitality sector “during this challenging time”.“This measure is one we introduced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – and it’s one that is now here to stay,” he said last night. “This will remove unnecessary red-tape and help businesses defy the ongoing challenges and impacts COVID-19 presents.”
Figures from Consumer and Business Services, which polices alcohol laws through Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio, show 741 businesses successfully applied for the temporary licence since March. These include 476 restaurants, 188 clubs, 12 “residential” operations and 35 small venues. Another 30 “on premises” applications were approved for alcohol to be drunk at locations such as cinemas, on buses or at airports. Ms Chapman said the laws were logical. She said the approval figures showed “how successful and well received this temporary measure has been – and why we want to make it permanent”.“I have listened to the industry, and the feedback is resounding,” she said. “This measure helps; it increases sales, and boosts bottom lines. “I encourage all bar, restaurant, and small venue operators to review the new law, and consider ways in which you can maximise its potential.” Officials said licencing laws already had various penalties to stop minors buying alcohol. Licensees can face fines of up to $20,000 for supplying liquor to anyone aged under 18. Australian Hotel Association SA boss, Ian Horne, welcomed the changes. “The extension of the current capacity to sell limited alcohol with takeaway food is an opportunity for some sectors,” he said. He said most alcohol sales occurred in liquor stores and was unlikely to change. Wine Industry Association chief Brian Smedley said it would help retailers but added appropriate “checks and balances” were needed. AA News Feed Playlist
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