The most relaxed restaurant drinking laws in WA history will be allowed in Fremantle for a month leading up to Christmas.
Eateries with existing liquor licenses will be able to effectively operate like a small bar, serving alcohol to customers without requiring that they be seated.
Supporters of the trial hope it will lead to a permanent relaxation of restaurant drinking laws across the state.
Event organisers estimate that more than $40 million in tourism funds are to be generated.
"The idea is to behave like an international city when you have international guests," Councillor Pettit said.
"A lot of people will be coming from Europe, where the alcohol rules are more relaxed. Without this we would have an embarrassing situation.
"Thankfully the government has been really cooperative."
The more flexible regulations will apply between November 26 and December 24 and affect about 14 restaurants, such as Gino's, Bennys Bar and Cafe and Cicerellos.
Councillor Pettit said Minister for Racing and Gaming Terry Waldron approved the relaxation after requests from Fremantle City Council and restauranters.
"It's going to be a big event right on the back of CHOGM [the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]," Cr Pettit said.
"It will be a pretty busy time for Fremantle over the next couple of months so we were really keen to see this."
Although there are no plans to extend the laws this year, the Barnett government plans to take full advantage of the trial.
According to Mr Waldron the month-long trial period will provide the government with "interesting information" to look at in the new year.
"There is no doubt a Fremantle will experience a major influx of visitors during the sailing championships and this will provide greater flexibility for licencees to meet the needs of patrons," he said.
Cafe and other hospitality venue owners have welcomed the announcement.
Bennys Bar and Cafe owner Ivan Dzeba welcomed the changes which will impact his counterparts along South Terrace.
"I know that the council originally petitioned to have the laws changed for two months, but this change is still good to see it's becoming more flexible," Mr Dzeba told WAtoday.com.au.
"Sometimes it's quite difficult to explain to international visitors and customers about our rules so this is a good positive step.
"Fremantle is great, it's got a real European feel about it. It will be good to see people being able to enjoy a glass of wine outside."
If cafes and restaurants wish to extend trading hours, individual venues must sumbit an application for an extended trading petition.
Pubs and bars who wish to open longer than usual will also have to apply.
Eateries with existing liquor licenses will be able to effectively operate like a small bar, serving alcohol to customers without requiring that they be seated.
Supporters of the trial hope it will lead to a permanent relaxation of restaurant drinking laws across the state.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettit said the unprecedented move would create European-style venues and cater for thousands of tourists expected during the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships,
About 5000 competitors and thousands more spectators are expected to flock to Fremantle for the three-week long event.Event organisers estimate that more than $40 million in tourism funds are to be generated.
"The idea is to behave like an international city when you have international guests," Councillor Pettit said.
"A lot of people will be coming from Europe, where the alcohol rules are more relaxed. Without this we would have an embarrassing situation.
"Thankfully the government has been really cooperative."
The more flexible regulations will apply between November 26 and December 24 and affect about 14 restaurants, such as Gino's, Bennys Bar and Cafe and Cicerellos.
Councillor Pettit said Minister for Racing and Gaming Terry Waldron approved the relaxation after requests from Fremantle City Council and restauranters.
"It's going to be a big event right on the back of CHOGM [the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]," Cr Pettit said.
"It will be a pretty busy time for Fremantle over the next couple of months so we were really keen to see this."
Although there are no plans to extend the laws this year, the Barnett government plans to take full advantage of the trial.
According to Mr Waldron the month-long trial period will provide the government with "interesting information" to look at in the new year.
"There is no doubt a Fremantle will experience a major influx of visitors during the sailing championships and this will provide greater flexibility for licencees to meet the needs of patrons," he said.
Cafe and other hospitality venue owners have welcomed the announcement.
Bennys Bar and Cafe owner Ivan Dzeba welcomed the changes which will impact his counterparts along South Terrace.
"I know that the council originally petitioned to have the laws changed for two months, but this change is still good to see it's becoming more flexible," Mr Dzeba told WAtoday.com.au.
"Sometimes it's quite difficult to explain to international visitors and customers about our rules so this is a good positive step.
"Fremantle is great, it's got a real European feel about it. It will be good to see people being able to enjoy a glass of wine outside."
If cafes and restaurants wish to extend trading hours, individual venues must sumbit an application for an extended trading petition.
Pubs and bars who wish to open longer than usual will also have to apply.
