Western Australia's restrictions on Good Friday alcohol sales are an "archaic relic of the past", according to the minister tasked with overseeing the state's liquor laws.
Under current regulations, venues such as hotels, taverns and wineries can only trade between noon and 10pm. In addition, alcohol can only be served with a meal.
Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby said the rule was "under the microscope" as part of a broad-ranging review of the state's Liquor Act.
"This is an archaic relic of the past. We want to eliminate red tape and reflect community expectations," he said.
"I really want to see us have a good look at those types of requirements and work out is there not a better way forward."
Mr Whitby said the ability for cellar doors to open on Good Friday was a rule "worth looking at".
"I think the freeing up and the more rational and modern-day contemporary approach is what we're after," he said.
"I think we need to be responsive to contemporary needs — our community's changed.
"Once upon a time people did acknowledge these days to a very large degree … we haven't walked away from those religious days entirely, but I think we need to have a balance there, where industry and consumers are served but we respect religious observation as well".
Public consultation on the reforms closed in January and legislation is expected to be drafted early next year.
More flexibility
Margaret River Wine Association chief executive Amanda Whiteland said a relaxation of the rules would allow businesses to capitalise on the influx of tourists.
"There are a lot of visitors in the region. It's a really busy time of year and a lot of cellar doors would love the opportunity to host visitors," she said.
"I believe there is a fair bit of appetite for those restrictions to be relaxed.
"A lot of our cellar doors don't have restaurants so they're forced to close."
Closed Good Friday
For Busselton's Shelter Brewery, the restrictions mean it is more economical to close for the day.
General manager Paul Maley said the restrictions on takeaway alcohol and the meal requirement were impractical.
"It's not a decision we take lightly, and it's not a decision that may be in line with community expectations," he said.
"It's the only other day outside Christmas Day that we close."
He said the large number of visitors heading to WA's South-West would be disappointed by the restrictions.
"We actually have a staff party to kick off the Easter celebrations ourselves," Mr Maley said.
"I certainly think the community expectation probably has moved towards Good Friday in terms of liquor licensing loosening up.
"For the time being I think Good Friday will be a day [when] we take the day off and enjoy a few beers."
Longstanding traditions
Monash University constitutional law professor Luke Beck said the laws dated back to the colonial period in Australia from the 1880s to early 1900s.
Professor Beck said religious and women's groups held strong views about alcohol.
He said women's groups held the view that alcohol contributed to things such as domestic violence.
"So restricting alcohol is for those reasons protective of women and children in the home."
Religious groups also wanted to ensure rest on Sundays, the Christian Sabbath, he added.
"So making sure there were laws in place that prevented shops and other businesses like hotels and pubs from opening," Professor Beck said.
"That's the historical origins of these kind of laws that we see."
