Working in a bar requires more than a friendly personality and the ability to pour a decent pint. At the top of the list is completing a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course which, beyond ensuring you and your employer comply with Australian and state laws, also has a lot of other benefits for individuals, businesses, and the wider community.
How does an RSA benefit the holder?
If you hold an RSA or need to get one for your job, you may fail to see how it can benefit you. However, there are actually numerous benefits: Employment Opportunities: RSA certification opens the door to many roles in the hospitality industry. Bars, restaurants, and event venues require RSA-certified staff to ensure they are legally compliant. By holding an RSA certificate, you have access to more job options in various service settings, from clubs to cafes. Compliance with Legal Standards: RSA training will equip you with the knowledge to follow legal regulations around serving alcohol. Understanding these standards helps prevent legal issues both for individuals and their employers. Following the RSA guidelines helps ensure that you and your employee comply with the law, reducing the risk of fines or legal issues. Transferable Skills: RSA certification provides practical skills that can be used throughout your life and career, such as conflict resolution and customer interaction. Knowing how to handle challenging situations with patrons is useful in many roles.
Societal Benefits of RSA Certification
Not only are there personal benefits in having an RSA but there are broader societal benefits to service industry staff being RSA certified. Harm Minimization: Did you know that 31% of Australians over the age of 14 consume alcohol in a way that puts their health at risk? RSA training helps you identify risks associated with alcohol consumption. Staff learn to recognise and address signs of intoxication and respond appropriately. By managing consumption levels and refusing service when needed, RSA-certified staff help reduce alcohol-related harm in their communities. Preventing Underage Drinking: While risky underage drinking has decreased, 5% of people aged between 14 and 17 are still consuming alcohol in a way that is risky to their health. When getting your RSA, you will be taught about appropriately checking IDs and refusing service in a professional manner. Preventing alcohol sales to minors helps support community efforts to protect young people and reduce alcohol-related health risks in this age group. Reduction in Alcohol-Related Incidents: With RSA training, you will learn how to defuse potentially risky situations involving alcohol. This reduces the chances of violence, accidents, or public disturbances.
Business Benefits of RSA Certification
There are also benefits for a business that ensures all of their staff are RSA trained, beyond the fact that it is a legal requirement. Protecting Business Reputation: Responsible service practices reassure patrons and community members that the business prioritises safety. A business that gets a reputation for bad service practices may attract unwanted attention from authorities and community groups. Legal Compliance: It is a legal requirement for staff involved in the sale or service of alcohol to have an RSA. The training also helps employees understand and follow local and state alcohol laws. This helps businesses avoid legal penalties related to improper alcohol service, reducing potential legal and financial risks. Improved Customer Safety: RSA-trained staff can identify intoxicated patrons and respond to prevent over-consumption. This attention to customer safety not only protects the well-being of patrons but also reduces the likelihood of incidents that could impact other customers. Increase Staff Confidence and Professionalism: RSA training helps staff handle difficult situations. Confident, professional staff are more comfortable with checking IDs, refusing service, and managing customer interactions. This builds a work environment that is safe, professional, and aligned with best practices in responsible service. RSA certification has clear benefits to individuals, businesses, and communities. It supports employment, helps reduce harm, and strengthens public safety. For businesses, having RSA-trained staff boosts compliance and reputation. For the community, RSA helps prevent issues related to alcohol, supporting a safer environment. RSA certification continues to be a valuable asset across the hospitality industry.
