Displaying Rsa Certificates: What Bars Need To Know

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) is a requirement of the WA Liquor Control Act 1988. All bar staff, managers, and licensees must be formally trained and certified. This ensures that employees are aware of the various laws and restrictions surrounding the sale and supply of alcohol and helps protect the business, its employees, and the community at large. While the specific requirements may vary by region, most staff who serve or supply alcohol in licensed establishments, including licensed restaurants and cafes, must possess an RSA certificate. This certificate can be obtained through accredited training programs that cover critical issues such as serving intoxicated patrons, checking IDs, and complying with state laws to ensure the responsible service of alcohol.

Staff training and certification

Training programs cover various topics, including alcohol service laws, customer identification checks, and handling intoxicated individuals. For example, staff are trained to identify signs of intoxication and refuse service to drunk customers, preventing alcohol-related harm and legal consequences for the establishment. Additionally, training emphasizes the importance of checking identification to prevent alcohol sales to minors, as serving alcohol to underage individuals can result in significant fines and penalties.

Different regions have specific certification requirements for staff serving alcohol. For instance, in Queensland, staff serving or supplying alcohol in licensed premises must possess a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. This includes bartenders, floor staff, and room service staff, regardless of their age. The RSA certificate can be obtained by completing the nationally recognized course "Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol" through a registered training organization (RTO). The course covers critical issues and safe practices regarding alcohol service.

To ensure staff are well-prepared, some training providers offer comprehensive programs that go beyond the basics. These programs may include state-specific courses, such as TABC certification, RBS certification, and Illinois BASSET certification, to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Training may also extend to food safety practices, such as food handler courses, to ensure staff are equipped with the knowledge to safely serve food alongside alcohol.

Businesses should prioritize enrolling their staff in reputable training programs to promote responsible alcohol service. By investing in staff training and certification, establishments can minimize legal risks, enhance customer safety, and foster a positive and compliant work environment.

Legal requirements and restrictions

It is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, and staff must ask for ID if the customer looks under 25. It is also illegal to serve alcohol to anyone who is drunk, and staff must be trained to recognise the signs of intoxication. If a customer is showing signs of intoxication, staff must notify the manager, and the service of alcohol to that customer must be discontinued. An incident report must be completed, and the customer should be encouraged to use alternative transportation. If the customer refuses and drives, staff should note the license plate and notify the police.

In Queensland, staff must complete their RSA training within 30 days of starting employment, and the certificate is only valid with a Statement of Attainment from the nationally accredited course. The same rules apply to international students and travellers. There are no minimum age restrictions under the Liquor Act 1992, but all staff serving alcohol must have an RSA certificate.

Businesses should ensure their staff are trained to protect themselves and the business from legal and financial repercussions.

Protecting employees and community

Protecting employees and the community is a key aspect of responsible alcohol service. Alcohol is a drug that can have harmful effects on people's health and safety, so it is essential to ensure responsible drinking and protect the safety and well-being of customers, employees, and the community. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Training and Education

It is crucial to provide comprehensive training and education to all staff members who may come into contact with guests, including front-of-house employees, bartenders, servers, and managers. This training should cover alcohol awareness, responsible drinking practices, and the signs of intoxication. Staff should be trained to handle situations involving intoxicated guests, including cutting them off from alcohol service and arranging alternative transportation if necessary. Regular recertification of alcohol awareness training is also essential to keep employees up-to-date with the latest practices and regulations.

Strict Policies and Enforcement

Implementing and enforcing strict policies around alcohol service is vital. This includes never serving visibly intoxicated customers and checking IDs for customers who appear under the legal drinking age. Employees should also be prohibited from consuming alcohol before, during, or after their shifts to ensure they can make impartial judgments and maintain a professional environment.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Compliance with local and national laws and regulations regarding alcohol service is essential. This includes adhering to age restrictions, not serving alcohol to intoxicated individuals, and preventing violent, disorderly, or argumentative behavior on the premises. Understanding and following these regulations protect both the establishment and its employees from legal consequences and help maintain a safe environment for the community.

Safe Alcohol Service Practices

Practicing safe alcohol service involves accurate measurement of alcohol in each drink to ensure customers' consumption remains within safe limits. Using jiggers or measuring cups helps achieve this. Additionally, hiring trustworthy and reliable staff, including delivery personnel, is crucial. These individuals should undergo training, maintain a clean record, possess a valid driver's license, and have the necessary insurance.

Incident Reporting and Documentation

Establishing clear procedures for incident reporting and documentation is vital. When a guest shows visible signs of intoxication, employees should notify the manager on duty, discontinue alcohol service, and complete an incident report form. This helps ensure a proper record of the situation and allows for better management of similar incidents in the future.

By implementing these measures, establishments can effectively protect their employees and the community while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for their guests. Responsible alcohol service is a critical aspect of the hospitality industry, and by prioritizing it, businesses can ensure the well-being and safety of all involved parties.

Checking identification

Businesses can choose which forms of acceptable IDs they will allow, and many businesses develop policies about which kinds of IDs can be accepted. A valid ID must always be issued by a government agency and include the person's date of birth and a recent photo. Some acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, instruction permit, or ID card issued by any U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canadian province, or District of Columbia.

When checking IDs, sellers of alcoholic beverages should ask customers to remove the ID from their wallets or ID holders to physically handle the card. This allows for a proper examination of the ID. Feel the card to check its rigidity, as fake IDs often have a different weight and thickness than real IDs. Check the edges of the card to ensure they are smooth and rounded, with no lifted corners. Examine the front and back of the ID for bumps, ridges, and irregularities, and feel for information that may be cut out or pasted on, especially near the photo and date of birth. Valid IDs should have no rips or tears, and the photo should not be tilted. The surface of the ID should feel smooth, with no lumps, bumps, or creases.

If you are not familiar with a particular type of ID, do not rely on it. Call the police for help if needed. Be aware that minors may alter their appearance or behavior to deceive you. If in doubt about an ID, refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages. It is also against the law to show false or misleading ID, and you have a legal right to refuse service to anyone who cannot produce adequate evidence of their age.

Disciplinary action for non-compliance

Written Warnings and Notices: Non-compliance with responsible service of alcohol regulations may initially result in written warnings or expiation notices. These serve as official documentation of the breach and often outline the corrective actions required to prevent further disciplinary action.

Fines and Monetary Penalties: Monetary penalties are a common form of disciplinary action for non-compliance. In Queensland, Australia, the Liquor Act 1992 outlines that penalties are calculated based on penalty units, with each unit valued at $161.30 as of July 1st (the value is adjusted annually). Similar monetary penalties may be enforced in other jurisdictions for violations such as serving alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals.

Suspension and Revocation of Licenses: Recurrent breaches of responsible service of alcohol regulations can lead to the suspension or revocation of liquor licenses. In Queensland, if a licensee is convicted of two offences related to minors or intoxicated persons within a two-year period, their license will be automatically suspended. The loss or suspension of a liquor license can have significant financial implications for the business.

Disciplinary Hearings: In some cases, non-compliance may result in disciplinary hearings before a commissioner or the Liquor Licensing Court. These hearings provide an opportunity for the licensee and other involved parties to present their case and defend their actions. The outcome of these hearings can include additional penalties or requirements to ensure future compliance.

Termination of Employment: Employees who fail to comply with responsible service of alcohol policies may face disciplinary action from their employers, up to and including termination. This is particularly relevant for staff who neglect their responsibilities in preventing the service of alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or fail to properly check the identification of young-looking guests.

It is important to note that the specific disciplinary actions and procedures may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific regulations in place. As such, it is crucial for licensees, businesses, and staff to be aware of the relevant laws and requirements pertaining to the responsible service of alcohol to avoid non-compliance and its associated consequences.

Frequently asked questions