FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT WATER IN LICENSED VENUES
How must I make drinking water available?
If you supply liquor at a bar or counter,the drinking water must be available at the same bar or counter,or nearby (such as via a nearby drinking water fountain or dispenser).If you supply liquor by waiter service, the water must also be available by waiter service.
Is it OK to only sell bottled water?
Yes –so long as it is reasonably priced.Further information on what is a reasonable price will be provided to industry in 2003.In the meantime,it is fair o say that bottled water should be cheaper than alcoholic drinks,and charging prices like $5 or more for a small bottle of water is considered expensive.
Can I charge for a glass of tap water?
Yes –so long as it is reasonably priced.Further information on what is a reasonable price will be provided to industry in 2003.In the meantime,any charge for tap water should be nominal only to cover service costs,and should certainly be less than the price of bottled water.
When will the Minister issue guidelines as to what is a “reasonable charge ”for water?
The guidelines will be issued following consultation with he liquor industry.That consultation will occur during January/February 2003.
Can I provide drinking water for free?
Yes.
Which liquor licences do the new laws apply to?
The new drinking water laws apply to hotels,clubs, restaurants,nightclubs,motels,caterers,community liquor licences,vessels,function licences,heatres, wine licences,and any other licensed venue that sells or supplies liquor for consumption on the premises.
Do the new laws apply to liquor stores and wholesale licences?
No.
What is the penalty for not providing drinking water?
The new drinking water requirement is a condition of a liquor licence or certificate of registration. Therefore,complaint action can be taken where a licensee or club does not comply with this condition. Under existing complaint provisions of he law,he penalties available to he Licensing Court include a reprimand,a penalty of up to $22,000,and suspension or cancellation of a licence/certificate.
From a link to an earlier
Liquor FAQ it appears that licensees did NOT previously *have* to provide drinking water (I thought they did too!) as a condition of all licences, though it was a condition on some licences (hence the confusion?)
Do I need to provide free drinking water if I have a liquor licence?
While there is no legal requirement to provide free drinking water for patrons, most responsible venues do so anyway, as it is widely recognised as an important harm minimisation measure. As an example, many restaurateurs also provide bottles of chilled water to their patrons as a value-added customer service strategy, which has the benefit of slowing down drinking by diners.
Harm minimisation conditions require licensees to ensure that non alcoholic drinks are available at all times at a cheaper price than full strength beer and other beverages. Some venues are also required by their licence to provide chilled water free or at a nominal cost to patrons.
[ 06 January 2003: Message edited by: trog ]