Police snag for Anzac Centre drinks
WA Police's approach to liquor licensing is under scrutiny amid revelations it intervened in an application to serve alcohol at the National Anzac Centre in Albany.
Opposition Leader Mark McGowan has rounded on the case to highlight what he believes is a waste of police resources and an unnecessary and bureaucratic hindrance for businesses that create jobs and stimulate tourism.
Imperial Group Pty Ltd applied for a special facility licence for its fine dining restaurant The Garrison at the National Anzac Centre on Mt Clarence, which has sweeping views of King George Sound.
The application was supported by letters from the National Anzac Centre, which described itself as "the Australian and WA governments' most significant investment in the commemoration of the Anzac legend".
The letters said a food and beverage service would "meet the expectations of national and international visitors and is fundamental to the successful operation of the National Anzac Centre".
WA Police intervened, telling Director of Liquor Licensing Barry Sargeant that if the application was granted without conditions, "public disorder or nuisance would be likely to result".
In October, The Garrison was granted a liquor licence but slapped with the same conditions as a tavern.
They include no "shooters", "jelly shots", jugs or alcohol mixed with energy drinks, no amplified music without permission from the City of Albany and no lewd behaviour or X-rated movies to be shown.
Mr McGowan, who last week released a policy for tourism considerations to be given increased weight in licence applications, said there was no chance of such behaviour at The Garrison.
He said objections and interventions created significantly more cost for the applicant and assigning five WA Police officers to the task was a waste of resources.
"We need to let people get on and employ more West Australians, create jobs and create excitement and interest in our State," Mr McGowan said.
"This and other venues are not what police or health should be worrying about."
A WA Police spokeswoman said it had a legislative obligation to inform the director of "all issues".
"The conditions recommended in this case were not onerous and were offered to assist in harm minimisation, which ultimately assists in reducing the demand on policing resources," she said.
The Department of Racing Gaming and Liquor said that health or police objections did not mean an application had less chance of being approved.
