Provide responsible service of alcohol

Overview

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills, and knowledge required to responsibly sell or serve alcohol.

Responsible practices must be undertaken wherever alcohol is sold or served, including where alcohol samples are served during on-site product tastings. This unit, therefore, applies to any workplace where alcohol is sold or served, including all types of hospitality venues, packaged liquor outlets and wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

The unit applies to all levels of sales personnel involved in the sale, service, and promotional service of alcohol in licensed premises. Those selling or serving alcohol may include food and beverage attendants; packaged liquor sales persons selling in person, over the phone, or online; winery, brewery, and distillery cellar door staff; and supplier sales representatives. The unit also applies to security staff who monitor customer behavior and to the licensee who is ultimately responsible for responsible service of alcohol (RSA) management.

The unit incorporates the knowledge requirements, under state and territory liquor licensing law, for employees engaged in the sale or service of alcohol.

Certification requirements differ across states and territories. In some cases, all people involved in the sale, service, and promotional service of alcohol in licensed premises must be certified in this unit. This can include the licensee and security staff.

This unit covers the RSA skill and knowledge requirements common to all States and Territories. Some legislative requirements and knowledge will differ across borders. In some cases after completion of this unit, state and territory liquor authorities require candidates to complete a bridging course to address these specific differences.

Those developing training to support this unit must consult the relevant state or territory liquor licensing authority to determine any accreditation arrangements for courses, trainers, and assessors.

If you need to obtain an RSA Statement of Attainment for the first time, please contact your nearest RTO to become certified in ‘Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol’. Once obtained, this certification does not expire.

Licensees are responsible for ensuring that all staff that serves or supplies alcohol have the appropriate certification. Penalties apply for licensees who fail to comply.

The following people must complete RSA training within 30 days of starting employment and maintain a current RSA training course certificate during their employment:

• the licensee (if an individual), unless trained in RMLV
• any staff member of the licensed premises who is involved in the service or supply of liquor at the premises. This includes bartenders, glass collectors, floor staff, and room service staff. It does not include people that are trained in RMLV, such as approved managers.

What will I learn?

• Responsible Service of Alcohol
• Sale of Alcohol
• Customer Service
• Legislative Requirements in your State or Territory