The Lavan Legal Liquor Licensing, Tourism and Hospitality Team provides practical, entrepreneurial, proactive and technical advice on all aspects of liquor licensing, tourism and hospitality law.  Our role as leaders in liquor licensing and liquor reform in Western Australia precedes the introduction of the Liquor Act in 1970.  The enviable and consistent success rate of our team attracts many high profile clients.  We receive many referrals from other lawyers and from key figures within the liquor industry.

The scope of our experience extends into related matters, including sport and gambling laws.  Associated employment and workplace health and safety issues can be simultaneously and effectively addressed.  Our approach is practical, commercial and adds value to our clients’ affairs.

In the highly protected and regulated Western Australian liquor industry we are committed to achieving the best outcome for our clients.

Our services

Liquor licensing

The firm has consistently been at the forefront of licensing matters and legal innovations affecting the industry.  Since becoming involved in liquor licensing law in 1968, partner Dan Mossenson has provided advice to and represented most sectors of the liquor, tourism and hospitality industries.

Our early successes, following the revolutionary approach to liquor law in Western Australia in 1970, include securing Western Australia’s first tavern licence for Sassella’s Tavern and the licensing of the Sheraton Hotel.  Since then countless licences have been obtained for all types of clients and developments statewide, ranging from hotels, resorts, large multi-purpose facilities, tourist amenities and clubs through to specialist liquor stores and small licensed family businesses.  We also draw upon our extensive network of liquor contacts to assist clients with their business development opportunities.

In addition, the Liquor Licensing Team has considerable experience in advising clients regarding the export of wine products by producers (wineries), wholesalers and distributors and can also assist with acquisition of interests in wineries and in obtaining licences for vineyards.

Since the introduction of the Liquor Control Act in 2007, we have assisted numerous clients in applying for small bar licences.  In 2007, we developed a sophisticated package to address the public interest assessment that is required for all applications.

We founded and manage the Small Bar Association of W.A. Inc. to give the small bar operators an industry voice and to help work towards transforming the drinking scene.  We continue to act for other associations of licensees and over the years have acted for all such associations.

We have produced a comprehensive Liquor Law Kit and Liquor Self Audit Kit.

Statutory and criminal defence practice

We take on a variety of statutory defence briefs in respect of prosecutions and regulatory controls within this sector and beyond.  Liquor defences include section 95 complaints, show cause proceedings and other statutory complaints.  We achieve optimal results for our clients.

Tourism matters

As more tourist development opportunities unfold in Western Australia, our goal is to provide expert advice to facilitate business, secure appropriate licensing, resolve problems and otherwise enhance the tourism experience at every level of the industry.

Dan Mossenson was a founding director of, and has acted as legal counsel for, the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation Inc.   He was a director of Tourism Council Australia Limited (WA Branch) and was also founding director of the Tourism Council Western Australia Limited.

Sports and recreation issues

The huge popularity of sport in the State and the impact of Western Australia sporting concerns at the national level demands a legal response that is thorough and, to a large extent, visionary.  We can draw upon our wide experience to address crisis situations and to resolve issues that are complex, sensitive or difficult in a variety of sports. We represent individuals, organisations and entities.

We are especially experienced in matters relating to the racing industry.  Dan Mossenson has chaired the Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal since its foundation in 1990 and presides over hearings and appeals against determinations by stewards and others.

Hospitality

We deal with all aspects of the hospitality industry, ranging from resort developments to small independents, through to dining, entertainment, clubs and sporting venues.