WA residents will be able to order a drink without a meal in pubs and restaurants for the first time ever this Good Friday, but the change is getting mixed reviews from some in the community.

The relaxed rule was announced by the State Government last year, in a bid to boost the hospitality industry.

Other changes to come into effect this year include extended hours for bars and other venues, which can now open from 10am to midnight on Friday.

The chief executive of the Australian Hotels Association of WA Bradley Woods has welcomed the move.

“It provides greater flexibility for venues to operate in line with customer demand, without artificial restrictions on service,” he says.

“For pubs and bars, it supports stronger trade over the Easter long weekend, helps shift spend into regulated, safe hospitality environments and delivers a modest but meaningful boost to local jobs and small business operators.”

But the change hasn’t been welcomed by everyone.

Jordan Gommer, a spokesperson for Australian Christians Party leader Maryka Groenewald, says he’s disappointed with the government’s decision to scrap drinking restrictions.

“It’s a day which we set aside in the calendar as a community to say, this is a special day, and a sacred day,” he says.

“The idea that people need to be able to go and get a drink without ordering a meal alongside brings it down to just being another day in the calendar.”

Mr Gommer says the government should have consulted with more groups before announcing the change last year.

“The Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church were consulted, and they opposed it, but there are a lot of Christians who go to groups, and the government didn’t consult with them at all,” he says.

The owner of Carrington’s Bar and Grill Ashley Cranenburgh is backing the rule change but says he also respects what the day represents. 

“I think it’s a sign of the times in terms of days like this, whilst we respect what they are and what they bring and mean to people, we can continue to be open and allow families and patrons to enjoy the amenity that we provide here in our taverns and establishments,” he says.

The State Government has been contacted for comment.