The Australian Hotels Association in WA is calling for the need to serve a meal with alcohol to be scrapped by the end of this week.

CEO Bradley Woods told Mark Gibson COVID-19 shouldn’t be used as an excuse to change society’s views on alcohol.

“There’s no connection between COVID-19 and having a meal with alcohol as some preventative anecdote to not getting the virus or spreading the virus,” said Mr Woods.

“The health zealots that are obsessed about trying to stop people from drinking all of the time, that want WA to be a dry state, that work within the Health Department are running that agenda.

“We’ve got to ensure that doesn’t become the mandate for the future.”

The AHA WA also wants the limit on patrons lifted to over 100 people as soon as possible to ensure more venues can open and keep workers employed.

Mr Woods said despite venues adapting to the current rules well, it’s frustrating for the public who can’t get in.

“Clearly we should be able to move forward.

“NSW has gone to 50 people per area within the hospitality establishment. That means in a large pub with up to nine rooms, they can have 450 people.

“We’re at 20. There’s a big difference between 20 and 450.

“The time’s right now to start making changes so we’re ready for next weekend.”

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