The WA state government plans to make extended trading hours for licensed venues during major sporting events permanent in a bid to bring vibrancy to the local scene.
On Friday, Sport Minister Rita Saffioti and Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia announced that licensed venues around the state can apply for extended trading hours to accommodate WA FIFA World Cup fans, as long as the site is broadcasting the event live.
Successful applicants will be able to continue trading into the early morning for 30 minutes after a broadcast of matches concludes.
However, Papalia said the government is looking at making the deal permanent, meaning venues granted the trading exemption will not need to re-apply to stay open for other late night sporting events once the legislation is passed.
“In the next tranche of our legislative amendments… we hope it’ll be made permanent – we’ll allow people to have extended trading permits on an enduring basis,” he said.
“But right now, the Director of Liquor Licensing is considering applications from venues, and I just urge venues right across Western Australia to get in there, make your application, and welcome people for the World Cup, and boost the timing and also the vibrancy of the state in coming weeks.”
“There are already 21 applications that have been approved for pubs and bars across the state, and we can accommodate more. So, I encourage all of our venue owners and operators out there to get in there and get the applications done.”
The Director of Liquor Licensing will consider applications from pubs, bars and sporting clubs seeking to remain open for live broadcasts of matches played in Canada, Mexico and the United States between June 9 and July 19.
Saffioti said the extended trading plan will not only create vibrancy across hospitality venues but will support Western Australia’s economy and local jobs.
“The World Cup is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar and we want Western Australians to be a part of the action from the first whistle to the last,” she said.
“Whether it’s a 10pm kick-off or a 2am match, fans will have more opportunities to support their team alongside fellow football lovers in venues across the State.”
The state government has also announced that World Cup fans will also be able to watch matches broadcast live on the big screen at Northbridge Piazza throughout the tournament, in a .
Similar to the way recent Matildas and Socceroos matches have been broadcast live at Federation Square in Melbourne, the big screen aims to attract thousands of viewers to Northbridge in a bid to support local businesses and restaurants.
The Piazza will feature a range of fan engagement activities with Perth Glory and Football West during Socceroos matches.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said Northbridge Piazza is the perfect venue for football fans to gather and share the excitement of the FIFA World Cup.
“We expect the live broadcasts to create a fantastic atmosphere in Northbridge and the City, attracting visitors from across Perth and providing a welcome boost for local businesses,” he said.
“We encourage visitors to make a day or night of it by exploring Northbridge and the City’s outstanding restaurants, bars and entertainment venues before and after the matches.”
