If you would like to become a Member of the SBA, please submit a membership application form to the Management Committee via email or post for approval.

Membership of the Small Bar Association of WA Inc is open to:

Small bar licensees

Any natural person who is or proposes to be a small bar licensee or any director of a body corporate which holds or proposes to hold a small bar licence or an approved manager or other person authorised in writing to be the representative of a small bar licensee or applicant for a small bar licence, provided that such membership shall be restricted to one member for each small bar.

Equivalent licensees

Any natural person who is or proposes to be an equivalent licensee or any director of a body corporate which holds or proposes to hold an equivalent licence or an approved manager or other person authorised in writing to be the representative of an equivalent licensee or applicant for an equivalent licence, provided that such membership shall be restricted to one member for each equivalent licence.

Equivalent licences means such liquor licences issued under the Liquor Control Act 1988, not being a Small Bar licence, in respect of relatively small scale premises which foster the music, entertainment or tourism industries or premises and which are specialty themed and particularly distinctive in nature.

Professional members

Persons considered by the existing professional members to be capable of being of assistance to pursue the purpose and objects of the Association.

Industry members

Persons with tourism, liquor or other relevant industry backgrounds and experience who can by virtue of their background, experience or position substantially help the cause of the Association.

Sponsor members

Any sponsors or supporters who may assist the Association with funding or other aid.

SBA Member Survey

Members are invited to provide feedback on the services and benefits offered by SBA by completing our members survey. Your feedback will greatly help us to identify how we can create the best value for all SBA members.

Member Benefits

Why join the SBA?

For liquor licensees the number one benefit of membership with SBA is the advocacy work the SBA does on behalf of the small bar industry. The SBA can:

• provide a collective industry voice by championing the causes of its members;
• protect, foster and develop the interests of its members at state and local government levels and via media channels; and
• influence legislative change by advocating the interests of its members through written and oral submissions prior to any relevant proposed legislative or policy changes.

In addition, the SBA assists in the sharing of communication and knowledge between members and sponsors through training, seminars, publications and social events.

Industry Updates

SBA monitors and reports on industry issues and trends, communicates important liquor licensing and other legal news and updates to members via the ‘Small Bar Talk’ publication, as well as by regular posts on the SBA website. Members are kept informed of changes to the Liquor Control Act and other legislation or policies that are likely to affect them.

Seminars and Events

The SBA hosts and organises both formal and informal industry seminars and information sessions. Guest speakers in the past have included government officials from the licensing authority, Department of Health, City of Perth and legal experts. Visit our events page for information on upcoming and past events.

Networking

Networking opportunities for members are beneficial in providing exposure to industry players including existing licensees and various sponsors who can assist members individually or collectively. The SBA facilitates networking opportunities through its seminars and events. It can also provide access to a suite of industry sponsors and associated contacts, particularly for aspiring licensee members who are starting up a business and seeking access to product information and services.

In addition, the SBA facilitates a reciprocal membership with Tourism Council Western Australia Limited.

Programmes and Discounts

All members of the SBA are entitled to the free use of boardroom and meeting facilities in central Perth (subject to availability). Contact info@lavanlegal.com.au for more information.

MGIB offers an exclusive member insurance package designed specifically for the small bar industry which encompasses quality cover across a number of areas. In addition, the product is backed by the strength and security of Lloyds of London. Contact info@mgib.com.au for more information.

Legal Advice

The SBA’s founding organisation and head sponsor is Lavan Legal, Western Australia’s largest independent law firm with a highly experienced team that specialises in liquor licensing, tourism and hospitality matters and can assist with any liquor related matter. Specialist lawyers at Lavan Legal are available to assist small bar licensees and aspiring licence applicants and can be contacted directly through the SBA office. Brief preliminary enquiries over the telephone may potentially be handled free of charge depending on the circumstances.

The SBA is here to help you! If you have a question, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll do our best to help and point you in the right direction.