Bar owners join call to cut the red tape

Rockingham small bar licence holders support the State Opposition's push to reduce red tape on liquor licences to improve tourism in the region and create a more vibrant city.

Rustico Tapas and Bar owner Vanessa Phillipson and The Wine Bar owner Siobhan Gavin agreed responsible service of alcohol rules were important but believed the process was too complex and the police and Department of Health tarred everyone with antisocial tendencies, making it almost impossible to offer a different dining and drinking culture in Rockingham.

Mrs Phillipson said monitoring of alcohol consumption should be the responsibility of management, but she welcomed reinforcement by police and The Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor.

"The customers want to relax - 99 per cent of people don't want to cause chaos," she said.

"Being such an awesome tourism destination, we should be trying harder to capture the eating and drinking experiences as promoted by the Restaurant Australia campaign."

Ms Gavin said owning a small bar was challenging enough given payroll tax and penalty rates, let alone the complexities and mountains of paperwork involved in licensing the venue.

Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan said Rockingham had been through an image revolution over recent years.

He said he wanted to make sure the Government implemented changes to continue the revolution, boost tourism and increase employment opportunities.

"Having more venues that deliver cultural and tourism benefits will create more jobs in Rockingham and will continue to attract more visitors to our great city," he said.

"Our liquor reforms will help lead to more small businesses, which will boost local tourism and create a more vibrant Rockingham."