Full-strength beer to be served at Optus Stadium in major alcohol policy change

Full-strength beer will soon be served at Optus Stadium for everyday footy fans in a major alcohol policy change at WA’s premier sporting venue. From March 21, when Fremantle takes on Melbourne in Round 2 of the AFL regular season, it won’t be just fans in corporate boxes who will have the option of drinking full-strength beer - anyone with a general admission ticket will also be able to buy the stronger brew. Cricket fans attending Big Bash League matches will also be able to drink full-strength beer in general admission areas, although mid-strength will still apply in Test matches and One Day Internationals. Anyone attending a concert at Optus will also be able to drink full-strength beer. The Cook Government argues the changes bring Optus Stadium into line with the MCG and SCG as well as Perth’s RAC Arena and other major international venues. But the new alcohol policy is sure to ignite fierce debate over whether allowing sports fans - such as footy diehards - to drink full-strength beer during games is a good idea given they are surrounded by families with children. “Optus Stadium has proven itself as a world-class venue that showcases Perth to the world, and these changes are about continuing to deliver the best possible experience for fans by offering more choice,” Sports Minister Rita Saffioti said. “The safety of all attendees and responsible service of alcohol will always be the top priority.” The Cook Government’s position on alcohol at Optus Stadium is in stark contrast to the position taken by Labor when it first won government, under Mark McGowan, in 2017. Whether full-strength beer should be sold alongside mid-strength was hotly debated before the stadium opened in 2018, with Mr McGowan personally writing to the WA Liquor Commission and successfully putting the case for only mid-strength beer to be served in general admission areas of Optus. In fact, Mr McGowan argued mid-strength should also only be served in corporate boxes. The stadium operator, VenuesLive, also did not apply for the right to sell full-strength booze to average punters. “I’ll make a submission to the Liquor Commission along the lines that I think the mid-strength arrangement works,” Mr McGowan said in 2017. “I have a view that if there’s going to be mid-strength for the crowd there should be mid-strength for the people in the boxes. “I don’t think it should be a two-tiered system.” In the end full-strength beer – supplied by Gage Roads Brew Co – was allowed to be served only in premium hospitality areas of the stadium after a determination by the WA Director of Liquor Licensing. General admission patrons were stuck with mid-strength beer. It was a position also supported by Roger Cook, then the WA health minister. “People don’t go to the footy to drink and, if they do, they shouldn’t be there,” Mr Cook said in 2017. “Governments have to make decisions that protect everyone at the event. “Down the line, if we see better behaviour and more moderate forms of behaviour and drinking, then I’m sure those things can be reviewed.” The Cook Government says the decision to change its mind and allow full-strength beer to be sold alongside mid-strength options “followed a comprehensive review and consultation process with police and the Department of Health”. It says it still retains the right to make a decision on full-strength beer “based on the type of event”. Cricket Australia, for example, did not permit full-strength alcohol in public areas at all day cricket fixtures such as Test matches. “Decisions around the availability of full-strength beer at Optus Stadium will continue to be made based on the type of event, its duration and audience,” Ms Saffioti said. “This change has been carefully planned and will be supported by strict responsible service practices, additional trained staff, and clear patron management processes.” The new alcohol policy at Optus has been welcomed by stadium chief executive Mike McKenna and Gage Roads executive director of strategy, brand, and hospitality Aaron Heary. “We’re really proud to continue our focus on improving the fan experience at Optus Stadium and are pleased the Government has made the decision to support the change to the drinks offering in general admission areas,” Mr McKenna said. Mr Heary said Gage Roads was “stoked to give fans the choice of full-strength beers across the stadium”. “It’s a simple change that genuinely lifts the experience for everyone,” he said.