Rockingham bar raises a glass to new trade hours

The weekend looks set to last longer for Rockingham revellers since the State Government last week announced new legislation which will allow pubs, taverns and small bars to trade until midnight on Sundays.

Rustico Tapas and Bar general manager Ashton Boaden said she welcomed the opportunity for the popular restaurant to remain open later during summer months.

She said new laws would bring Sunday opening hours in line with current times for Friday and Saturday nights.

"Something like this would be great for us and definitely something we are interested in," Ms Boaden said.

"We would be happy to remain open for longer, particularly during busy periods like bank holidays.

"During the summer months, people are still out partying on a Sunday - not everyone works the traditional 9-5 anymore."

Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods said new legislation also addressed common sense issues like allowing consumers to traverse unlicensed areas when moving between two licensed premises - over footpaths from the bar to an outside alfresco area, for example.

He said extended Sunday opening hours were vital in earning Perth a reputation as an international hospitality destination of choice.

R Bar owner Siobhan Gavin said the Rockingham Beach Road bar would only benefit from extended Sunday trading during holiday periods. She said higher wage rates on Sundays would also need to be taken into account.