Good Friday booze battle: Bid to lift beer ban at Perth’s Optus Stadium
Premier Mark McGowan wants a ban on beer being served to West Coast Eagles fans at this year’s inaugural Good Friday AFL fixture in Perth to be overturned.
Conditions on Optus Stadium’s liquor licence means the venue can’t sell alcohol to supporters for the prime-time blockbuster clash with Port Adelaide on April 19.
The Camfield, next door to the stadium, is only allowed to serve booze to supporters who also buy a meal, while the nearby by Crown casino can’t open until 10pm.
Optus Stadium and The Camfield confirmed this week that they would soon apply for a special licence so alcohol can be served to AFL fans on Good Friday.
Though the decision is out of his hands, the Premier said it was a “no-brainer”.
“Of course footy fans should be able to purchase alcohol at the stadium, it’s a no-brainer,” Mr McGowan said.
“Decisions made by the Director of Liquor Licensing are independent of me, however, I’m aware that Optus Stadium and surrounding venues have the ability to apply for a variation to their normal liquor licence and I urge them to do so.”
Australian Hotels Association WA boss Bradley Woods said the move could spark debate about a wider relaxation of the Good Friday alcohol restrictions.
Pubs and bars across WA can only serve booze on Good Friday if patrons also buy food, while bottle shops are shut.
As well as the Eagles’ fixture, a race meeting at Ascot and two WAFL matches are expected to be given exemptions so grog can flow freely on the religious public holiday.
“If Government sanctions football and the licensing of hospitality venues on Good Friday, that may well lead to other hospitality venues wanting to trade and it could open up the debate,” Mr Woods said.
Catholic Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe said while it was his preference that Good Friday remained a sacred day, the 6.10pm start at Optus Stadium meant it was still possible for people to attend church services.
“My hope is that we do not lose sight of what this public holiday really is all about ... otherwise, why have it at all?” he said.
“I respect the decision taken by the AFL in particular, which has scheduled its event on the Friday evening. This seems to me to be a reasonable compromise, one which respects the religious sensibilities of many West Australians.
“It should be possible to live your faith and love your sport all at the same time.”
