Changes could be afoot to how booze and groceries are sold at WA Aldi stores.

While the sale of alcohol at those outlets with a liquor licence are already restricted to one dedicated checkout only, shoppers have been able to use that lane to make purchases of general grocery items only.

But a two-week trial being conducted at the discount supermarket chain’s Wanneroo Central store now requires anyone who wants to buy only groceries in that lane to also include an alcoholic item.

A third-party survey company has been at the store since the weekend asking shoppers if they believe the measure will reduce alcohol abuse or cut sales to under-age drinkers. Survey-takers have also asked if respondents think it is a “nanny state” measure.

Aldi last year opened its 500th Australian store after 17 years in the country and in June marked two years in the WA market, growing from four stores in 2016 to 36 today.

Nineteen of those stores have licences to sell alcohol.

An Aldi Australia spokesman confirmed the trial and said all stores had strict measures in place to “ensure the responsible service of our limited range of non-refrigerated alcohol products”.

“These measures include, thorough staff training, ID checks, separate retail areas and a dedicated staff member.

“As licenses are State based, we work across Australia with relevant State departments to fully comply with any conditions.

“In this case, we are liaising with the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor regarding the possible addition of a new condition on our liquor licenses in WA.

“As such, we have decided to trial prohibiting transactions which do not include liquor at the liquor checkout in our Wanneroo store.

“We will continue to liaise with the department to discuss the results of our trial and seek agreement on the most appropriate measures that support the responsible service of alcohol and meet consumer requirements.”

A Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor spokesman said any application or submission from the licensee would be considered on its merits.

“While this process is under way it would not be appropriate to comment further,” he said.