Anyone buying takeaway alcohol in much of regional Western Australia will have their identification scanned under a crackdown on problem drinkers.
The state government has flagged a tightening of the banned drinkers register being trialled in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields regions.
It comes after an assessment showed just 60 people had been blacklisted in the Pilbara since the trial began there in December 2020.
A further 85 have been banned in the Kimberley since last July, including 29 who signed up voluntarily, and 29 in the Goldfields since March.
Customers must provide identification to be scanned, notifying the seller if the purchaser is a banned drinker.
Participation has been voluntary for liquor retailers but it will become mandatory under proposals that are open to consultation until October 27.
Other proposed changes include allowing courts to place individuals on the register as part of bail or parole conditions and outlawing the supply of liquor to a banned drinker.
Individuals could also be blacklisted by police for alcohol-related offending in the community, including violence and drink-driving offences.
Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti said additional locations could also be added to the trial.
"Minimising the harmful impacts of alcohol consumption to individuals, families and whole communities is an ongoing priority for the McGowan government," Mr Buti said on Thursday.
"How we do that, taking into consideration the state's vastness and diversity, presents us with unique policy development challenges, and this makes consultation vital."
A proposal to ban the sale of anything but light beer in bottleshops in the Kimberley and Pilbara has been under review by the state liquor licensing director since 2020.
A decision is not expected until next year after a deadline for industry submissions was extended.
WA Governor Chris Dawson had pushed for the ban while serving as police commissioner, saying the "astronomical" consumption of alcohol in the far north needed to be curbed.
His successor Col Blanch has indicated he is open to the proposal, which is opposed by the hospitality sector.
But Liquor Stores Association of WA chief executive Peter Peck said strengthening the banned drinkers register was the right move.
"These proposals will give the BDR (register) more teeth, I am confident of that," he said.
"I have no doubt making the BDR compulsory for licensees, giving police more agility and the courts more scope to place problem drinkers on the BDR will lead to a reduction in alcohol-related harm and crime."
Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods said improving the register was a "far better policy approach than blanket alcohol restrictions on all law-abiding citizens".
