Protected Entertainment Precinct (PEP) laws were introduced by the WA Government in December 2022 to enhance public safety in popular nightlife and entertainment areas. These laws aim to prevent violent, anti-social, and threatening behaviour in designated precincts.
PEPs are named in honour of Giuseppe ‘Pep’ Raco, a nightclub manager who was tragically killed in an unprovoked one-punch attack in Northbridge in July 2020. His family led an extensive campaign for stronger laws to reduce violence in entertainment precincts.
Currently, there are 5 PEP locations in WA, these are:
- Hillarys
- Scarborough
- Perth/Northbridge
- Fremantle
- Mandurah
Boundary Changes
The Director of Liquor Licensing monitors community safety and alcohol-related harm in all PEP areas to make these areas remain safe for residents, visitors, businesses and their staff. As well as new PEP areas being identified, boundaries are subject to change as PEP areas grow and develop.
For instance, the most recent PEP boundary change occurred in January 2025 to the Hillarys PEP, which has now been expanded to Whitfords Avenue and North Shore Drive, reflecting the changing dynamic of this area.
What is an Exclusion Order?
An Exclusion Order is a legal directive that prohibits a person from entering or remaining in any of the Protected Entertainment Precincts for a specified period. These orders are issued to individuals who have engaged in violent, antisocial, or criminal behaviour within or near these precincts.
Types of Exclusion Orders
- Short-Term Exclusion Order
- Issued by WA Police with approval from a senior officer (Inspector rank or above).
- Can exclude an individual for up to 6 months.
- Applied when a person behaves unlawfully, antisocially, violently, disorderly, offensively, indecently, or threateningly in a public place within a PEP.
- Can be issued if police believe the individual’s presence may cause violence, disorder, or pose a safety risk to others.
- Extended Exclusion Order
- Issued by the Director of Liquor Licensing upon request from the Commissioner of Police.
- Can exclude an individual for up to 5 years.
- The Director must provide the affected person an opportunity to respond before finalising the order.
- Mandatory Exclusion Order
- Automatically applies to any adult convicted of a serious violent or sexual offence (e.g., grievous bodily harm, assault causing death, drink spiking, serious sexual assault) within a PEP.
- Enforced for 5 years for adults and 2 years for individuals under 18 years of age.
Breaching an Exclusion Order
- Entering or attempting to enter a PEP while under an exclusion order is a criminal offence.
- Penalties vary depending on whether the exclusion is short-term, extended, or mandatory.
- Legal advice should be sought immediately if charged with breaching an exclusion order.
Breaching this order carries severe penalties.
Penalties for Breaching an Exclusion Order
| TYPE OF EXCLUSION ORDER | MAXIMUM FINE | MAXIMUM IMPRISONMENT |
| Short Term / Extended Exclusion Order | $12.000
|
Up to 2 years |
| Mandatory Exclusion Order | $12,000 | Up to 5 years |
Exclusion Orders are formally served by WA Police or the Director of Liquor Licensing. They may be delivered electronically or by post.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries maintain records of persons who have a current exclusion order against them.
Can an Exclusion Order be Changed or Removed?
- Short-Term Exclusion Orders
- An appeal can be made to the Commissioner of Police for modifications or the removal of an order.
- If denied, a review from the Liquor Commission can be sought within one month.
- Extended Exclusion Orders
- The person issued with the order, or alternatively the Commissioner of Police can request modification or the removal of an order from the Director of Liquor Licensing.
- Appeals can be made to the Liquor Commission.
- Mandatory Exclusion Orders
-
- These cannot be changed or removed unless the conviction itself is overturned through an appeal.
- Legal advice is recommended if considering an appeal