The Goldfields Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) trial is now in full effect, meaning all customers require approved photo identification to buy takeaway alcohol.
Goldfields-Esperance is the third region in Western Australia to have a BDR trial, joining the Pilbara and Kimberley.
When customers scan their identification at the point of sale, new machines will show whether they are on the BDR and can be legally sold alcohol.
The system is designed to assist licensees in addressing alcohol-related harm by enabling them to identify people prohibited from purchasing takeaway alcohol.
It is one of the several tools available to help manage the negative impact of alcohol intake across our communities.
People can voluntarily elect to be on the BDR, or they can be subject to a Prohibition Order or Barring Notice preventing them from buying alcohol.
Meanwhile, a mobile app has also been developed to support licensees' management of the BDR program. The app is intended to primarily support licensed premises with drive-through bottle shops.
The trial will be independently evaluated to optimise the long term success of the BDR and identify how the initiative can be improved.
For more information, visit https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/bdr
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti:
"I am pleased to be launching this important State Government initiative today following the recent rollout of BDR trials in the Pilbara and Kimberley.
"We know that the availability of alcohol is a leading factor in preventing the destructive behaviours that are associated with alcohol abuse.
"The BDR trial is one of a number of initiatives designed to protect the vulnerable and provide support for those facing alcohol addiction - it provides a targeted response to alcohol abuse through controlling access to takeaway liquor.
"The important first step of working with local liquor outlets and rolling out the Scantek infrastructure has now taken place, and I look forward to seeing how this can develop further following feedback from the evaluation.
"The McGowan Government continues to work with local governments, police, industry and the community to reduce alcohol-related harm in WA."
