2am nod for Northbridge pub

WA's liquor authority will let a new 450-patron Northbridge tavern open until 2am at weekends after "encouraging" signs that the area is working to reduce alcohol-related harm.

A $1.75 million-$2 million renovation is planned for the Beer Works Tavern, at the old Varga Lounge site on Lake Street.

A key design feature will be old beer vats from the Swan Brewery.

It is expected to be ready in time for the opening of the Kings Square development linking Northbridge with Perth.

Operators Entertainment Enterprises, comprising local nightlife stalwarts Graham Hardie and Bill Oddy, argued the proposed clientele of over 25-year-olds would not include "at-risk" groups such as young adults.

They have had an 18-month legal battle to operate beyond midnight at weekends after an application was challenged by the executive director of Public Health in August last year.

The Director of Liquor Licensing rejected it in May, saying that despite evidence of harm- minimisation strategies and the applicants' record, it was not enough to mitigate the risks of putting 450 patrons on to the streets of Northbridge at a time when there were "concerning levels of alcohol-related harm and ill health".

The Liquor Commission dismissed this concern, suggesting the tavern would not contribute to any degree of harm and ill health "beyond that which currently already exists".

The commission said forcing patrons to leave at midnight would "become problematic".

It said there could be a more orderly dispersal of patrons that might be preferable to having up to 450 people exiting the premises at midnight.

In a positive comment on Northbridge, the commission acknowledged that alcohol harm seemed to be declining.

It said the degree that venue strategies and improved public education about alcohol consumption were reducing harm was debatable, though the "apparent trend towards reduction" was encouraging.

Source:  The West Australian - 22 November 2014