Proposed Kalgoorlie liquor restrictions criticised

Publicans say the proposed restrictions will hit small businesses hard.

A Goldfields hotel owner says proposed new liquor restrictions for Kalgoorlie-Boulder would severely damage the city's brand.

Earlier this year, WA Police tabled a report to the Director of Liquor Licensing requesting the restrictions to help address high rates of alcohol-related crime and health problems in the community.

The proposed laws include banning the sale of takeaway liquor on Sundays as well as banning sales of stubbies in excess of 400 millilitres.

Andrew McKay says the restrictions would be an embarrassment for the city.

"It's a wealth creator for this country," he said.

"There are people flying into this town from all over the country, this town is a melting pot of all Australians.

"It then just starts to become a laughing stock, people just won't come and live here."

Mr McKay says the restrictions will lead to a decline in trade and tourism.

"A lot of the smaller traders will struggle," he said.

"There will be an effect not only on our industry, but on other industries - there will be further closures on Hannan Street, there'll be a lack of tourists coming in to the place.

"Those outside dollars won't be coming into the town as they have been in the past."

Source: ABC News, 17 September 2012