LIQUOR STORES ASSOCIATION OF WA AWARDS

Celebrating the best of WA

The WA liquor industry came together in style last month to celebrate their best and brightest at the Liquor Stores Association of WA Lion Liquor Industry Awards, writes Brydie Allen.

These last few years haven’t been easy for Australia’s liquor industry, so any chance to let your hair down with industry colleagues and friends becomes extra special. What’s also important after tough times is reflecting to recognise the bright spots - the people and businesses that have achieved great things, that have been resilient, and that have supported a strong and vibrant industry.

Lou Spagnolo

Last month’s Liquor Stores Association of WA (LSA WA) Lion Liquor Industry Awards did all of that and more.

The event brought people from all corners of WA’s liquor sector together to connect and celebrate again, while also marking 70 years since the association officially began as the Gallon Licensees Association of WA in June of 1952.

Held at the Crown in Perth, guests included retailers, suppliers and special guests, with a wide range of political VIPs such as current Minister for Racing and Gaming, Dr Tony Buti.

National Liquor News was also among the crowd to bring this inside look into the event.

Independent strength for 70 years

The night began with an address by LSA WA Chair, Lou Spagnolo, who reflected on the occasion.

“Our industry has been etched in history for the past 70 years. It’s a testament to the top pioneers who had the vision to create an organisation to help foster the growth of our sector, which nowadays, plays a major part in this industry,” Spagnolo said.

Sales and supplier award winners with Lou Spagnolo

“From when we first formed as the Gallon Licensees Association in 1952, our mission hasn’t wavered. It was established as an industry body to enhance and protect the rights of its members, and testament to that statement is the number of successful businesses we have today.”

Minister Buti also addressed the crowd on the night, recognising the “excellent partnership” that has been formed between LSA WA and the government over the years, born from common understandings.

“[This partnership] is one of collaboration, honesty and productivity,” Minister Buti said.

“I’m proud of the relationship we have with the Liquor Stores Association of WA, and the McGowan Government is very committed to working with the industry and your association. We are confident our working relationship will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

Tributes of remembrance

While being a night of celebration, this year’s event also had several elements of remembrance.

LSA WA was among many in Australia and Indonesia that recently commemorated loved ones that lost their lives 20 years ago in the Bali bombing terrorist attack of 2002, and again paid tribute to the memory of board member Peter Basioli at the awards night.

The other tribute of remembrance for the 2022 awards was for former board member, Anita Grace of Cellarbrations Newman, who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. Linda Boswell, ALM’s General Manager Western and Central Region, gave a moving tribute to Grace on the night.

Grace served on the LSA WA board, and outside the industry achieved an incredible amount of good, leading the way for the formation of the Newman Woman’s Shelter, being a JP, and helping young offenders integrate back into the community. She was a mentor and role model to many, and a force of nature that was a champion for social justice, accountability and ensuring everyone had a fair go.

Guests from across the WA liquor industry

“Words cannot truly describe the positive impact that Anita Grace had on our industry, and our northwest community,” Boswell concluded.

The names of both Basioli and Grace live on in LSA WA history, with the association naming two awards in their honour - the Peter Basioli Memorial Western Australian Liquor Store of the Year Award, and the Anita Grace Memorial Community Service Award.

Excellence of award winners

Completing the WA industry’s night of nights was of course the awards, with 12 presented on the night.

CEO of the LSA WA, Peter Peck, described the winners and said: “There has been so much to celebrate and commemorate this year but at the

Former Racing and Gaming Minister, Paul Papalia, and Peter Peck

end of the day it’s about honouring and acknowledging the demanding work put in by these small family-owned businesses

“The contribution that our members and suppliers make to the local community often goes unnoticed, so this is an event to remind everyone the important role they play.

“The Lion Liquor Industry Awards recognise the great extent that teams and families go to provide responsible service of alcohol across the entirety of this vast state. I congratulate the award winners and thank all our partners for their ongoing support.”

LSA WA Lion Liquor Industry Award 2022 winners:

• Peter Basioli WA Liquor Store of the Year –Old Bridge Cellars, Fremantle

• Metropolitan Liquor Store of the Year– Old Bridge Cellars, Fremantle

• Country Liquor Store of the Year – Sam’sCellars Exmouth and Liquor Barons Northam

• Anita Grace Community Service Award –James McKay, Liquor Barons Morley

• Young Liquor Retailer of the Year– Luke Watkins, Liquor Barons

• Sales Representative of the Year (Beer) –Ben Koontz, Good Drinks

• Sales Representative of the Year (Wine) –Dianne Petrich, Brown Family Wine Group

• Sales Representative of the Year (Spirit) –Brad Martin, Brown-Forman

The major retail award winners with Lou Spangolo and Minister Dr Tony Buti

• Supplier of the Year (Beer)– Carlton & United Breweries

• Supplier of the Year (Wine)– Samuel Smith & Son

• Supplier of the Year (Spirit)– Brown-Forman

• Lion Liquor Industry Media Award– Tom Marlow, 7 Regional News