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Rethink drink licence: Haase

A trial of licence to drink cards in WA has been ruled out by the State Government in a move which was condemned by Durack Federal Member Barry Haase and the State Opposition.

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said WA would not introduce the cards, which are extensively used in Northern Territory.

The system supplies retailers with a list of people banned from purchasing alcohol by the courts, so patrons may be denied service.

Every drinker, including those from interstate would be required to produce their licence or a governmentissued card to prove they were allowed to purchase alcohol.

A Bill was introduced to the Northern Territory parliament in April and was expected to be approved this month, with the laws implemented by July 1.

Under the legislation anyone taken into custody on alcohol-related matters three times in three months would be placed on the ban list and would remain there for a further three months.

Mr Haase labelled the move abysmal and out of touch.

“It clearly indicates that Terry Waldron is not impacted by these restrictions,” he said.

“It’s all very well to sit in Perth, to put a one-size-fits-all on communities.”

Mr Haase said people in Kimberley communities with liquor restrictions were sick of being inconvenienced by a process that was not doing anything to stop problem drinkers.

Mr Waldron flagged cost as further reason not to trial the system.

“Purchasing the required database and scanning equipment and delivering ongoing system support in remote and regional areas is a costly exercise,” he said.

However Mr Haase hit back, saying publicans and licensees he had spoken to in the Kimberley were happy to foot the bill for equipment needed to implement the system.

Shadow racing and gaming minister Mick Murray echoed Mr Haase’s calls and said it was unreasonable that travellers were affected by Kimberley bans.

He said Mr Waldron should review his decision.