Thumbs up to liquor move

Enjoying a cocktail while watching the sun go down, without the added cost of meal, is something all restaurateurs could offer local patrons if they opt to fast-track their small bar liquor licence.

Premier Colin Barnett has kept his election promise to deregulate liquor laws, announcing on Thursday the Government would allow restaurants that held 120 people or less to apply for a Liquor Without a Meal permit.

Mr Barnett said the permit would remove the cumbersome public interest assessment, cut application fee costs from $431 to $50 and be provided within 10 days of application, instead of months.

Under the permit, liquor without a meal can be served until midnight, Monday to Saturday, and 10pm on Sundays.

Bettyblue Bistro manager Matthew Grinham, said he had to go through the “convoluted process” of getting a small bar liquor licence about two years ago and believed Mr Barnett’s new option would benefit restaurant owners.

“It will only improve the foreshore here in Rockingham — I think it is a socially positive thing to be doing,” he said.

“Most spots all over the world you can have a drink without a meal.

“I think it is great WA is moving toward a more cosmopolitan feel.”

Sunsets Cafe and Bistro owner Patricia Bassi said she would consider the option of the LWM permit.

“Obviously we don’t want to turn Sunsets into a bar, we want to remain a restaurant, but it would be nice to have that option when we are not very busy, to give people a drink without a meal,” she said.

Mr Barnett said the Government remained committed to introducing legislation for restaurants holding 120 people or less to automatically have the ability to serve alcohol without a meal as part of the licence and was waiting for full reports from the Liquor Control Act Review committee before moving forward.