Sweeping changes proposed for banned drinkers register trial, giving courts and police further powers

Sweeping changes have been proposed for the banned drinkers register including giving courts the ability to place someone on the register as part of bail conditions.

The banned drinkers’ register was launched in the Pilbara in December 2020 in an attempt to tackle alcohol related harm by targeting problem drinkers and restricting access to takeaway alcohol.

Since the launch, just 60 people have been placed on the register, while only 85 people have been added to the Kimberley list.

In the Goldfields region, with a population of 57,000, just 29 people are on the list.

Under the new proposals there will be expanded pathways to add problem drinkers to the register, such as further options for police or through court-ordered pathways.

Other proposed changes include making the BDR mandatory for all licensed takeaway alcohol premises, giving police powers to seize or dispose of liquor if in the possession of a person who is registered on the BDR due to a Barring Notice or Prohibition Order.

Police would also have the ability to apply to have someone placed on the BDR for alcohol related offending that occurs outside a licensed premises, including alcohol related violence and drink driving.

Courts and WA Police would also be able to include placement on the BDR as a part of bail or parole conditions.

Dr Buti said reducing the harmful impacts of alcohol in communities was an “ongoing priority” for the State Government.

“There has been some common feedback on ways to optimise the Banned Drinkers Register trial following launches in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields,” he said.

“We’ve listened to that feedback and developed a package of improvements that will help the Banned Drinkers Register to function as intended.

“Drink driving and violent offences are big contributors to alcohol-related harm - this consultation is about creating avenues for people convicted of these offences to be put on the BDR.”

Mr Buti said the intention was for the trial to be extended next year with a sunset clause of two years.

“It will also look at providing another sentencing tool for magistrates in dealing with problem drinkers that frequent our courtrooms.

“How we do that, taking into consideration the State’s vastness and diversity, presents us with unique policy development challenges, and this makes consultation vital.”

Consultation will last for four weeks.