RSA- Responsible Service of Alcohol. How to avoid fines!

For nearly 100 years, NSW have implemented strict liquor laws to ensure the responsible service of alcohol. The sale and supply of liquor is appropriately controlled and penalties apply when licensed venues are poorly run and irresponsible liquor serving occurs.

Responsibility for the general public is not just the concern of the licensee but staff can also be held accountable for their actions. The following individuals have legal responsibilities to ensure the responsible serving of alcohol or they can face fines:

• Licensee
• Manager
• Bar staff
• Security
• Hosts/hostesses
• Glassies
• Any staff involved in the sale and supply of alcohol
• Customers

Failure to comply with the RSA obligations under the Liquor Regulation 2008, results in a fine of $550 for the licensee if he or she

• does not hold a NSW RSA competency card
• permits the sale, supply or serving of alcohol without holding a NSW RSA competency card
• Employs a crowd controller/bouncer or RSA marshal without a NSW RSA competency card
• Works in the Kings Cross and Sydney CBD Entertainment precincts and permits a staff or themselves use a patron ID scanner without holding a NSW RSA competency card

Employers of all sizes should see RSA training as a major compliance issue, not for the fines associated with not employing compliant staff, but for risk management practises and strategies to avert actual prosecution under the law.John JamesonThe RSA details key staff responsibilities within the Standard Operating Procedures which employers must ensure that all staff have fully read and understood the procedures.

1. Failure to comply with these key responsibilities will result in financial penalties or imprisonment.
2. In addition to these, licensees can also face up to $5,500 in fines if they fail to provide a safe environment and engage in practises that promote rapid of excessive consumption of liquor.
3. In addition to these, licensees can also face up to $5,500 in fines if they fail to provide a safe environment and engage in practises that promote rapid of excessive consumption of liquor.