Benefits of the RSA course

The SI

Introduction

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training is compulsory for anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol in NSW, including staff at pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels and bottle shops NSW Government. The primary aim of RSA is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to minimise alcohol‑related harm, manage intoxicated patrons and prevent service to minors Liquor & Gaming NSW. By standardising responsible practices, RSA contributes to safer venues and communities across NSW Liquor & Gaming NSW. Completion of RSA training is enforced by monetary penalties for individuals and licence sanctions for venues that fail to comply Service NSW.

RSA courses are delivered face‑to‑face or online by ATPs approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW, ensuring consistency and regulatory alignment Service NSW. Participants study topics such as NSW liquor laws, service refusals, harm minimisation approaches and enforcement powers NSW Government. Course materials include a participant handbook current as of 26 February 2025, offering detailed guidance and practical exercises NSW Government. Interactive videos and scenario‑based learning support the development of real‑world decision‑making skills NSW Government.

Legal Framework

The Liquor Act 2007 (NSW) and the Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007 collectively form the NSW liquor laws, which regulate the sale and supply of alcohol and empower the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) to oversee compliance Liquor & Gaming NSW. Under section 99 of the Liquor Act, regulations may require individuals engaged in liquor service to undergo training to promote responsible practices AustLII. The Liquor Regulation 2018 further mandates the availability of free water and food where alcohol is sold, reinforcing harm minimisation duties Liquor & Gaming NSW. These legislative instruments underpin the RSA requirement and set the standards for licensed premises across NSW Liquor & Gaming NSW.

ILGA and Liquor & Gaming NSW maintain lists of ATPs and enforce RSA compliance through audits, complaint investigations and disciplinary actions Liquor & Gaming NSW. Venue operators must ensure all relevant staff hold a valid RSA competency card; failure to do so can result in fines, licence suspensions or cancellations Liquor & Gaming NSW. Individuals must not serve alcohol to a minor or an intoxicated person, with non‑compliance attracting significant penalties Liquor & Gaming NSW. RSA marshals and security personnel also fall under these training obligations when working at licensed venues Liquor & Gaming NSW.

Who Needs RSA and Their Obligations

RSA certification is required for bartenders, bar attendants, wait staff, bottle shop attendants, security personnel and venue managers involved in the sale, service or supply of alcohol Service NSW. All new entrants to the liquor industry or individuals whose RSA qualification is more than five years old must complete the full RSA course Liquor & Gaming NSW. Existing RSA holders from other Australian jurisdictions must undertake an NSW‑specific bridging course to work temporarily or permanently in NSW NSW Government. Employers are responsible for verifying RSA credentials and removing uncertified staff from service roles to maintain legal compliance Service NSW.

Staff are duty‑bound to refuse service to intoxicated patrons, request identification from those who appear under 18 and implement harm minimisation measures, such as offering free water and food Liquor & Gaming NSW. Venue policies should reflect RSA principles, including clear signage, incident registers and staff briefings on recent regulatory changes Liquor & Gaming NSW. RSA-trained personnel play a pivotal role in upholding community safety and protecting venues from liability acap-nsw.org.au.

RSA Training Course

Approved Training Providers

RSA training must be delivered by an ATP accredited by Liquor & Gaming NSW, which vets providers for curriculum accuracy and trainer competence Service NSW. A comprehensive list of ATPs is available on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website, allowing prospective students to choose between face‑to‑face or online modalities Liquor & Gaming NSW. Trainers use a mix of lectures, multimedia presentations and interactive assessments to reinforce learning outcomes NSW Government. Providers also offer package deals alongside Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) and Advanced RCG courses for integrated hospitality training Service NSW.

Interstate RSA holders can enrol in a bridging course that focuses solely on NSW-specific legislation and licensing conditions NSW Government. This online, self‑paced module ensures workforce mobility while maintaining regulatory standards NSW Government. Participants receive personalised support and can access refresher materials to prepare for renewal assessments Liquor & Gaming NSW. ATPs regularly update course content to reflect amendments in liquor laws and emerging best practices Service NSW.

Course Content and Structure

The RSA course consists of five core modules:

1. NSW Liquor Laws – Overview of the Liquor Act 2007, licence types and venue obligations Liquor & Gaming NSW.

2. Intoxication – Recognising and managing intoxicated patrons; refusal of service strategies Liquor & Gaming NSW.

3. Minors – Legal age requirements, ID checking techniques and responsible host duty Liquor & Gaming NSW.

4. Harm Minimisation – Safe service practices, free water, food availability and promotion restrictions Liquor & Gaming NSW.

5. Compliance and Enforcement – Penalties for breaches, incident record‑keeping and regulatory reporting Liquor & Gaming NSW.

Courses blend theoretical instruction with practical assessments, including role‑plays, scenario analysis and written quizzes NSW Government. Participants receive a participant handbook with detailed module breakdowns, case studies and reflective exercises NSW Government. Full courses typically run over 4–5 hours, while refresher sessions may be shorter and focus on updated content Liquor & Gaming NSW. Successful completion yields a statement of attainment eligible for RSA card application Service NSW.

RSA Competency Card: Application and Validity

After finishing the RSA course, individuals receive an interim RSA certificate which must be presented to Service NSW when applying for a photographic competency card Service NSW. Applications are lodged online or in person, with cards issued within days upon approval Service NSW. The RSA competency card remains valid for five years from the date of issue TAFE NSW. Cardholders can check their status and expiry date via the Service NSW online portal Service NSW.

A replacement card may be requested if a card is lost, stolen or damaged, with a nominal fee and proof of identity required Service NSW. Address changes and other updates can be managed through the Service NSW account to ensure continuous compliance Service NSW. Employers should verify card authenticity via the Service NSW card verification tool Service NSW. Maintaining a current RSA card is essential to legal operation in the NSW hospitality industry TAFE NSW.

Refresher and Interstate Recognition

RSA competency cards must be renewed before expiry by completing a refresher course, which focuses on legislative updates and best practice changes Liquor & Gaming NSW. Refresher training is shorter in duration and revisits key concepts such as refusal skills and harm minimisation Liquor & Gaming NSW. Interstate RSA holders who wish to work in NSW must undertake the NSW‑specific bridging course, covering local liquor laws and licencing conditions NSW Government. This bridging module supports national workforce mobility while preserving jurisdictional standards NSW Government.

Successful completion of the refresher or bridging course results in a renewed five‑year competency card TAFE NSW. Participants receive updated digital resources and scenario videos to reinforce contemporary best practices NSW Government. Liquor & Gaming NSW periodically reviews course content to reflect stakeholder feedback and emerging trends in alcohol service Service NSW. Continuous professional development in RSA aligns with broader public health objectives and venue safety protocols acap-nsw.org.au.

Penalties for Non‑Compliance

Serving alcohol without the requisite RSA certification can incur fines of up to several thousand dollars for individuals Service NSW. Licensed venues risk licence suspension, cancellation or hefty penalties if found employing uncertified staff Liquor & Gaming NSW. Serious offences—such as serving a minor or an intoxicated patron—carry additional fines and potential criminal charges Liquor & Gaming NSW. Staff and managers must be vigilant in enforcing RSA principles to avoid legal and reputational damage Liquor & Gaming NSW.

Liquor & Gaming NSW enforces compliance through targeted inspections and responds to complaints lodged by the public or police Liquor & Gaming NSW. Repeat breaches can lead to amplified sanctions, including mandatory compliance training and public notification of disciplinary actions Liquor & Gaming NSW. RSA-certified personnel play a critical role in mitigating risk and maintaining a culture of responsible service acap-nsw.org.au. Venue operators are advised to conduct regular internal audits and refresher workshops to uphold standards Liquor & Gaming NSW.