Home

Wine restrictions amended

Jackson Lavell-LeeBusselton Dunsborough Times
WA wineries will now be allowed to sell a case of wine to an individual person per week.
Camera IconWA wineries will now be allowed to sell a case of wine to an individual person per week. Credit: supplied

The WA Government today amended it’s restrictions on liquor sales saving hundreds of jobs at local wineries.

On Wednesday Western Australian became the first State in the nation to restrict alcohol takeaway sales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restriction to three bottles per day was met with a public outcry and criticism from the wine making industry.

As of today, wine producers can sell 12 bottles per week to WA customers via online, wine club and take-away at cellar doors.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Margaret River Wine Association Amanda Whiteland said it was a vast improvement from the previous three bottle restrictions.

“The MRWA welcomes today’s amendment to the Wine Producer liquor restrictions announced earlier this week,” she said.

“There are no limits on sales to customers in states outside of WA and internationally, and to wholesale licensees. This is a great outcome as many Margaret River producers rely on direct sales to consumers as a key sales channel.”

A case of wine can again be delivered to your door
Camera IconA case of wine can again be delivered to your door Credit: Supplied

Blind Corner brand manager Candice Boundy said the amendment was a huge relief to family run wineries.

“During the last couple of days we didn't know what to do. We had a lot of online sales and we didn’t know if we had to refund them,” she said.

“We thought common sense would prevail because our situation wasn’t taken into account.”

“We didn't know what the next step was - if we could only sell three bottles for the foreseeable future it would have cut a lot of online sales and that is the only platform we have because we have decided to close the cellar door to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.”

Despite the positive changes Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said the thought process behind the restrictions was questionable.

“This is certainly a win – though it defies belief why the McGowan Government have created unnecessary pain for the local industry who are struggling like most businesses at this time,” she said.

“There remains an unfair advantage for Eastern states competitors for no obvious health benefit.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails