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LCWA Party announce biggest shake up in the WA boutique alcohol industry in a quarter of a century

In the biggest shake up to the WA boutique alcohol industry since 2000, State and Federal Legalise Cannabis Party Upper House candidates have called for twin measures to assist local producers and level the excise playing field.

In calling for the reintroduction of a tiered cellar door rebate scheme, axed by the Barnett Liberal Government in 2015, Legalise Cannabis WA MP, Dr Brian Walker, said the cost-of-living measure was needed to support an industry still recovering from COVID.

“Bankruptcies in the sector are at record highs and this common-sense solution will create jobs and give smaller producers a chance to consolidate and grow”, said Dr Walker.

Cameron Syme, founder of Limeburner’s, said a tiered cellar door rebate would give the local industry a vital injection to rebalance an unfair system.

Margaret River local and Legislative Council candidate, Cr Mel D’ath, said the twin measures would also boost the local hemp industry.

“We have a hemp distilling industry ready to take off and they just need a level playing field when it comes to excise and some assistance offsetting the WET at the cellar door.”

When combined with the recent call by LCP WA Senate Candidate, Mr Jason Meotti, for seed and grain distillers to pay the same rate of excise as grape-sourced alcohol, these measures would amount to the biggest shake up for the local industry in a quarter of a century.

Denmark-local and founder of the acclaimed Cannabis Botanical Distillery, Matt Beaton, welcomed the Legalise Cannabis Party’s support. 

“Local distillers just want a level playing field to compete both internationally and domestically.

“Plus the economic benefits flowing from reinstating a tiered cellar door rebate would be significant and bring desperately needed jobs and growth to the regions”, said Mr Beaton.

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