New Liquor Restriction Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak

Before you step out and buy liquor in Wavell Heights, North Lakes, Everton Park, Ascot, and other areas, here’s an important piece of news. A voluntary initiative is now being implemented, seeking to limit liquor purchases that a consumer can make, to prevent panic buying and hoarding.

Effective 30 March 2020, Vintage Cellars, Dan Murphy’s, First Choice, BWS, Liquorland, and a raft of independent retailers have put up a united front to support this voluntary measure.

Consumers can make a purchase up to the total allowable limit per transaction in any two of the following product categories:

  • 12 bottles of wine
  • 2 cases of beer
  • 2 cases of pre-mixed spirits
  • 2 cases of cider
  • 2 bottles of spirits (should not to exceed 2L in total)
  • 2 casks of wine (should not to exceed 10L in total)

There will be signages placed throughout liquor stores and on the websites of participating retailers explaining the current restrictive measure in depth.

Western Australia stores, however, will have different measures in place and are not included from these restrictions.

Photo Credit: CCO Public Domain/ Pexels/ Pixabay

According to Retail Drinks Australia’s CEO, Julie Ryan, even though alcoholic beverages in the country are not short in supply, implementing a limit on liquor purchase is still needed. There has been a notable change in consumers’ consumption behavior due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was clear that uncertainty on the impact of supply following the closure of pubs, clubs and restaurants last week caused some people to purchase differently.”

“These temporary measures will ensure that all consumers can continue to access their favourite drinks when they decide to make a purchase,” Ms Ryan said.

Ms Ryan highly encourages all liquor consumers to purchase alcoholic products responsibly as they normally would instead of hoarding or buying more than what is actually needed.