Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) requires most staff who sell, serve or supply alcohol in Victoria (VIC) to complete Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. This training supports safer venues by ensuring workers understand their legal duties under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998. Below, we explain exactly what the law requires and how to get certified in Victoria.
Liquor Control Victoria RSA training is mandatory education that teaches staff how to sell, serve and supply alcohol responsibly in Victoria. It supports the aims of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, which is the key legislation regulating alcohol service throughout the state. RSA training helps workers recognise intoxication, prevent underage service and contribute to safer venues and communities.
Liquor Control Victoria oversees compliance and licensing, so ensuring your RSA Certificate is valid and up to date is essential if you work in any business that sells or serves alcohol.
In Victoria, most people need an LCV RSA Certificate of Completion to work in many licensed venues. This includes:
In order to obtain an RSA Certificate of Completion, you must complete an LCV-approved RSA course and an additional online training module, Sexual Harassment and Assault: Recognise, Prevent and Respond (SHARPR).
A helpful rule of thumb is that if your role involves serving, supplying or making decisions about alcohol service, you will likely need an RSA Certificate. Requirements may vary depending on licence type, so staff and operators should confirm obligations with regulators.
Liquor Control Victoria requires all RSA training in the state to meet specific content and delivery standards. This ensures all workers understand their responsibilities under the Liquor Control Reform Act Victoria, including responsible service practices and legal obligations related to intoxication, minors and venue management.
RSA training must be delivered by an LCV-approved provider - this ensures training is compliant with state-specific requirements. If you complete RSA training that is not approved by LCV you will still receive a Statement of Attainment but will not be eligible to obtain an LCV approved RSA Certificate. . The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) is authorised to deliver RSA training in accordance with Liquor Control Victoria regulations.
AIFS provides a Victoria RSA course that covers essential topics such as how to identify signs of intoxication, refuse service professionally and prevent alcohol-related incidents through 16 interactive lessons.
This combined understanding of the law with practical strategies means you are better prepared for actual service situations and can help ensure alcohol is served safely.
Below is a simple step-by-step overview to help you complete your RSA training efficiently.
AIFS provides a government-approved RSA course that satisfies Liquor Control Victoria requirements for the unit of competency SITHFAB021: Provide responsible service of alcohol. This online course includes all the core knowledge and skills needed for responsible alcohol service in Victoria.
You will need to complete 16 interactive lessons designed to support learners at all levels. AIFS delivers the training online so you can study at your own pace, from any location.
The clear language and layout also make the course accessible for those with English as an additional language.
The RSA course includes several assessment tasks to help confirm that you understand responsible alcohol service and can apply the knowledge in real situations. To gain certification, you will need to complete the following:
Once you have successfully completed the RSA Victoria course we will issue you with a Statement of Attainment. LCV will then contact you via email with instructions on how to complete the SHARPR training module. This is completed through the LCV Learning Hub and the email will contain the necessary instructions to do this.
When you complete the SHARPR training module, LCV will issue your RSA Certificate of Completion. This certificate allows you to supply, sell or serve alcohol in licensed venues across the state.
Failing to comply with RSA training requirements in Victoria can lead to serious consequences.
Penalties may apply to:
Common breaches include serving minors, supplying alcohol to intoxicated patrons and failing to provide evidence of valid RSA certification. Penalties can include fines, licence conditions and other enforcement action. Businesses should not assume that new or temporary staff are exempt from these requirements.
RSA training is an essential legal requirement under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 and helps create safer communities across Victoria. Understanding the rules, completing approved training and keeping your certificate accessible ensures you stay compliant and confident in your role.
You can meet Liquor Control Victoria RSA certification requirements by completing training with AIFS. Start the RSA Victoria course online today.
A. Yes. Anyone who sells or serves alcohol in a bar, restaurant or licensed venue must complete RSA training that meets Liquor Control Victoria standards. You must also complete the LCV SHARPR training module to obtain your RSA Certificate.
A. Yes. Each state has its own rules. RSA training in Victoria must cover specific laws under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.
A. Yes. Online training is accepted as long as it is delivered by an approved provider and meets all VIC training and assessment requirements.