Tennis West

Responsible Service of Alcohol

It is required by law that if your club is selling alcohoil you must hold an accredited liquor licence and all persons serving alcohol must be accredited with a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate.

The Licensing Court, inspectors with the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor and the WA Police are all in various ways responsible for the day-to-day application and enforcement of the liquor laws. 

The two main types of licences that will be beneficial for sporting clubs are a club licence and a club restricted licence. Each licence authorises the sale and supply of liquor under certain circumstances.  

Club-Restricted License

A club-restricted Licence is a club licence that has the following restrictions: 

• it does not authorise the sale of packaged liquor and
• all liquor purchased under the licence must be purchased from a hotel, tavern or liquor store licence that is located within an 8 kilometre radius of the club premises.

A club licence is not subject to the above conditions. In addition, the trading hours of a club licence are specified by the Act, whereas those of a club-restricted licence are determined and imposed by the Director. 

Application kits and forms are available online from the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor or telephone 9425 1888 Country callers 1800 634 541. 

There are policies on the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor website detailing information on Club and Club Restricted licences with respect to club constitutions, along with a policy on supplying reasonably priced, or free, drinking water at licensed premises.  

Function licenses

A liquor licence is required at any event where alcohol is to be sold. This includes events where alcohol is included in the ticket price or, for example, where a donation is required for entry to the venue or to obtain alcohol. 

Non profit organisations are able to apply to the Licensing Court for one of two types of function licences – a permanent function licence or an occasional licence. 

An occasional licence permits the sale of liquor at a function at which it is proposed that liquor be sold or supplied to those present. This type of licence is for people who do not have any other licence under the Act. A “function” means a gathering, occasion or event, including a sporting

contest show, exhibition, trade or other fair or reception. 

Alcohol can also be sold or supplied at functions and events through the use of existing caterer’s or hotelier’s licence, or through the use of a permanent liquor licence that already exists at the venue where the event will be held.

For further information refer to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor.