An RSA is a certificate for the responsible service of alcohol, and is the legal training requirement to work in a licensed premises like a pub, club or restaurant. This nationally approved accreditation shows you have the skills and knowledge to responsibly serve alcohol. It trains you to recognise when people have too much to drink, to understand legal obligations and teaches you how to deal with difficult situations. It increases your chances of employment in the hospitality industry, and makes you an attractive candidate for employers when you already have the certificate. Read on to learn what an RSA is, how to obtain a certificate and what you can do with it.

Bar tender mixing a cocktail

What does an RSA course cover?

An RSA course is a short course that can be completed on campus through TAFE. The course takes four hours and, upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Liquor Control Victoria. With an RSA course, you will learn:

  • Understanding legal obligations: An RSA course covers information about alcohol-related laws in each state and what a server or supplier is obliged to do. Bartenders, wait staff and venue managers, for example, must be familiar with the legal responsibilities in regards to serving alcohol. These include age restrictions, penalties for non-compliance, and responsible service obligations.
  • Recognising intoxication signs: A key factor in handling patrons is recognising the intoxication signs. These include slurred speech, impaired coordination and unsteady gait.
  • How to refuse a patron if necessary: An RSA course teaches how to refuse a patron if required. This may be because the patron is intoxicated. Strategies learnt in the course include limiting the amount of drinks, providing non-alcoholic options and keeping an eye on behaviour.
  • How to diffuse conflict: If a customer becomes aggressive or disruptive, the RSA course explains ways to diffuse conflict.
  • How to serve alcohol in a responsible manner: Serving alcohol in a responsible manner includes not serving to anyone underage, recognising intoxication, and discouraging customers from taking part in activities that could be harmful to themselves or others.
  • How alcohol affects the human body: An RSA will explain the science behind alcohol and its effect on the human body to enhance understanding of alcohol consumption and behaviour.

Who should do an RSA course?

Anyone who intends to work in a licensed premises needs to complete an RSA. This includes:

  • Bar staff and bartenders: Bartenders and  bar staff who are mixing or serving drinks are legally required to obtain a RSA certificate. It is a mandatory certification that must be held by bartenders within an Australian licensed premises.
  • Licence holders: Licensees (those who are responsible for maintaining the licence of the venue) must have an RSA certificate.
  • Hospitality team members: From waiters to waitresses, anyone who works in a licensed establishment involved with alcohol, needs an RSA. Even room service staff who may deliver drinks to guests legally require the certificate.
  • Hospitality managers and supervisors: If you oversee staff who serve alcohol, you too need RSA certification, not just your team.
  • Liquor store salespersons: Those working in a liquor store, doing over-the-counter sales of alcohol need an RSA certificate.
  • Event and function staff: For any function, like a wedding, corporate gathering or community event, an RSA is required by staff if alcohol is present
  • Security personnel at licensed venues: In some Australian states, even security and door staff at venues that serve alcohol must be RSA-certified.
  • Committee members and volunteers: Some liquor licences require the club committee members and volunteers who are responsible for the service of alcohol, to complete an approved RSA course.

Bar tender pouring beer

Benefits of RSA training

There are many benefits for obtaining an RSA accreditation, including:

  • Increased job opportunities: Many licensed establishments like restaurants, bars and venues prefer to hire employees who already have an RSA certificate. It shows employers your commitment to the job when you have been proactive in obtaining the necessary qualifications.
  • Life skills: An RSA is not only valuable for employment opportunities but gives you valuable life skills, like communication, conflict resolution and handling difficult situations.
  • Legal compliance knowledge: With an RSA you will learn the legal responsibilities of alcohol service and avoid any potential penalties.
  • Alcohol consumption education: You will learn about the risks associated with alcohol service, including topics like overconsumption and underage drinking.
  • Refusal techniques: The qualification teaches you when and how to refuse service to customers.
  • Alcohol content knowledge: RSA teaches about the alcohol content of various beverages. This means you can make informed decisions when serving customers that may already be inebriated.

Is RSA mandatory in Australia?

It is mandatory to have an RSA accreditation if you want to serve or supply alcohol in Australia. The qualification shows that the individual has the training to serve and supply alcohol in compliance with the regulations and local laws. By obtaining an RSA, employers can be satisfied that staff understand their legal obligations and are able to serve alcohol responsibly, minimising the risk of alcohol-related harm in the community.

While it is an Australia-wide requirement, RSA regulations can vary across Australian states and territories. It is important to check the specific regulations in your state or territory before applying for a role where you may be required to hold an RSA.

RSA course on offer

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

This TAFE RSA course fulfils your legal training requirements for serving alcohol in a licensed premises. It is an on campus short course that takes four hours to complete. It is nationally recognised and will enable you to be able to work in other states of Australia. There are no pre-requisite requirements for this course and the cost is $85.

Important facts about an RSA

It is important to know these facts about an RSA to keep up to date with rules and regulations.

  • RSA training must be completed within one month from the date you first supply or serve alcohol.
  • A person can do the RSA course under 18 years of age, but cannot serve alcohol until 18.
  • RSA training must be completed through an RTO approved liquor control victoria.
  • RSA does not expire, but must do a refresher course every three years.

Group of bartenders smiling behind a bar

Obtaining an RSA certificate can open doors to a variety of hospitality jobs. It only takes a few hours and is not expensive. An RSA accreditation not only qualifies you to work in the liquor industry, but teaches valuable skills in customer service, legal requirements and conflict negotiation. Contact TAFE Gippsland for further information on how to enrol in the RSA course and start your career in hospitality.