There have been some important changes in WA for businesses seeking a liquor licence. In February 2025, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) released a revamped “Standards of Licensed Premises” policy, simplifying requirements and introducing a more modern, risk-based approach.
This is a game-changer for small bars and cafes, particularly in heritage-listed buildings and leased tenancies, where installing additional facilities like toilets has previously been a major hurdle in obtaining a liquor licence.
What’s Changed?
The Licensing Authority has taken a bold step by removing prescriptive, outdated requirements that often-created unnecessary duplication with other regulatory standards. After extensive consultation with key stakeholders — including the Building Commissioner, Department of Health, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, WA Local Government Association, and industry bodies — the Authority recognised that its previous 9-page policy was:
- Overlapping with existing building, health, and safety laws, and
- Imposing additional, unnecessary standards on applicants.
Outdated Requirements Scrapped
Here are some examples of the old, overly prescriptive requirements that have been removed:
- Mandatory tiled walls in toilet areas to 1.8 meters.
- One glass washer per 9 meters of bar length.
- More stringent finishes and toilet construction standards than the National Construction Code (NCC) required.
- Restrictions on bar counters in restaurants.
- Specific flooring requirements for liquor stores.
- Requirements for toilet facilities have become less stringent for small venues with limited patron numbers.
The result? A streamlined, practical 3-page policy focusing only on what is necessary.
A New, Risk-Based Assessment Approach
Importantly, the Licensing Authority no longer prescribes exact toilet numbers in its policy. Instead, toilet facilities and other amenities will be assessed case-by-case based on:
- Type of licence sought
- Number of patrons
- Services provided
- Public interest
- Safety and security considerations
This means applicants have greater flexibility to demonstrate that their premises are fit-for-purpose, without rigid, one-size-fits-all requirements.
Businesses must still comply with relevant laws such as:
- National Construction Code 2022
- Food Safety Standards
- Health Act 1911
- Food Act 2008
- Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992
- Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997
Key Takeaways for Applicants
- Flexibility: Each application will be considered individually — a huge advantage for unique or challenging sites.
- Compliance: Applicants must still meet building, health, and accessibility standards under other laws.
- Toilets: In most circumstances, at least one on-site toilet is required for patrons if your licence permits onsite consumption.
- Justification: Be ready to justify your proposal in terms of public interest, safety, and patron expectations.
This change makes it easier for creative, boutique hospitality businesses to thrive in WA – especially those revitalizing heritage sites or fitting out small tenancies where traditional compliance was previously impossible.
Need help navigating the new standards? Contact us today to discuss your venue and how best to prepare your licence application under the new, more flexible framework.