As a manager in the hospitality industry, one of your most significant responsibilities is ensuring that alcohol is served responsibly across your venue. Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training is not just a legal requirement, but a vital component in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for your patrons.
However, ensuring that your entire team adheres to RSA principles, even when you're not watching, can be challenging. This blog will guide you through strategies to ensure your staff serve alcohol responsibly at all times with the help of nationally recognised RSA training.
Your role extends beyond ensuring that your employees have completed their RSA training. It involves fostering a culture of responsibility and vigilance within your team. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this:
1. Regular training and refresher courses
Even after successfully completing the RSA course, staff can benefit from undergoing regular refresher courses that revisit the key aspects of RSA training, such as identifying intoxication and managing difficult customers. These sessions not only reinforce the importance of responsible service but also keep your team up to date with any changes in legislation or best practices.
2. Lead by example
Your behaviour sets the standard for your team. By consistently demonstrating a commitment to responsible service, you reinforce the importance of RSA training in your venue. Whether it's handling an intoxicated customer or verifying IDs, your actions will serve as a model for your staff to follow.
3. Create clear policies and procedures
Developing and implementing clear, comprehensive policies regarding alcohol service is essential. Ensure these policies are easily accessible to all staff members and are regularly reviewed.
Your policies should cover best practices for refusing service, dealing with intoxicated patrons and the consequences of non-compliance. Establishing clear guidelines will provide your team with the tools they need to serve responsibly and understand their role in ensuring patron and staff safety.
4. Monitor and evaluate performance
Regularly monitor your team's adherence to RSA principles. This can be done through direct observation, customer feedback and incident reports. Use these evaluations to identify areas where additional training or support might be needed. Remember, ongoing feedback is key to maintaining high standards of service.
5. Encourage open communication
Create an environment where staff feel comfortable discussing the various challenges they face while serving alcohol. Whether it's uncertainty about a customer's level of intoxication or concerns about enforcing service refusal, open communication allows you to address issues before they escalate. Regular team meetings can be an effective platform for these discussions.
Why is RSA training important?
According to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, alcohol-related incidents result in approximately 30,000 hospital admissions and nearly 2,000 deaths annually. These staggering figures highlight the importance of responsible alcohol service in reducing harm and protecting public health.
RSA training and certification is a legal requirement for anyone involved in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages in Australia. The RSA course delivered by the Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) ensures that licensed premises are able to comply with this requirement while equipping staff with the necessary skills to serve alcohol responsibly.
RSA regulations may be enforced differently depending on the state or territory in which the venue operates, but the overarching requirement remains the same: all alcohol servers must hold a valid RSA Certificate.
What will your team learn from RSA training?
The online RSA course delivered by AIFS covers a wide range of topics crucial to the responsible service of alcohol. These include the social and physical impacts of alcohol, the legal responsibilities of alcohol servers and strategies for managing intoxicated patrons. The course also emphasises the importance of understanding and adhering to legal requirements, such as checking IDs and knowing when to refuse service.
Key elements of the RSA course:
- Legal knowledge: Understanding the legal requirements for serving alcohol helps businesses ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
- Recognising intoxication: Being able to identify signs of intoxication early prevents over-serving and the associated risks.
- Age verification: Restricting the service of alcohol to individuals of legal drinking age
- Refusal skills: How to refuse service in a polite but firm manner is a vital skill for maintaining safety and legal compliance.
- Record keeping: The importance of maintaining accurate records related to alcohol service.
How does the RSA course assess practical skills?
One unique aspect of the RSA course offered by AIFS is the flexibility it provides in assessments.
Participants can choose between an Observer Report or a Virtual Video Assessment to allow for a practical, real-world evaluation of the knowledge and skills acquired during their training. This flexibility is especially advantageous for busy hospitality professionals who need to balance training with demanding work schedules.
Benefits of RSA certification:
An RSA Certificate represents an unwavering commitment to public safety and legal compliance. Benefits of RSA certification include:
- Legal compliance: RSA training and certification ensures that staff meet the legal requirements for serving alcohol in Australia.*
- Improved safety: Employees can use the knowledge and skills gained from RSA training to reduce the risk of alcohol-related incidents.
- Enhanced reputation: Businesses that are known for responsible alcohol service are likely to benefit from repeat business.
*The RSA course offered by AIFS is officially recognised in the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Reinforcing RSA training in your team
To ensure that RSA training translates into daily practice, consider the following tips:
Regular role-playing exercises
These exercises can simulate real-world scenarios your staff may encounter, such as handling an intoxicated customer or refusing service. Role-playing helps staff apply their training in a controlled environment, building confidence for when they face similar situations during their shifts.
Incentivise compliance
Recognise and reward staff members who consistently adhere to RSA regulations. Whether it's through formal recognition programs or informal praise, positive reinforcement can motivate your team to maintain high standards.
Utilise technology
Consider integrating technology into your compliance strategy. There are various apps and digital tools available that can help staff monitor and report alcohol service, track customer interactions and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
The importance of continuous learning
The hospitality industry is dynamic, with laws and best practices continually evolving. To stay compliant and ensure your venue is a safe place for all patrons, continuous learning is essential. Encourage your staff to stay informed about industry trends and updates in RSA guidelines. Regularly update your training schedule and resources to reflect these changes.
Your role in upholding alcohol service standards
As a manager, you play a pivotal role in ensuring that your venue not only complies with RSA laws but also contributes to a safer, healthier community. By prioritising RSA training, leading by example and creating a culture of responsibility, you can ensure that your team consistently serves alcohol in a way that minimises harm and maximises enjoyment for all.
Ready to ensure your team is fully compliant with RSA guidelines? Enrol your staff in the RSA course with AIFS today and take the first step towards a safer, more responsible venue.
Want to find out more before signing up? Contact us and discover all the benefits of the RSA course and enrolling through a Business Account.
