Looking for a part-time job?
Hospitality is an industry that employs many people early in their careers. Working at a café, restaurant, or bar is often the first job that people get.
If any of these serve alcohol, you may need to get a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. But if you’re under 18 then you may be wondering if you can get an RSA Certificate early.
There are different rules in the different states around Australia and we recommend knowing your state's rules.
How old do you have to be to get an RSA in Queensland (QLD)?
Queensland has no minimum age to get an RSA certificate. They also allow under-18s to serve and supply alcohol at certain businesses, like hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Under-18s can not serve alcohol at venues that have an adult entertainment permit.
Once you start working in the service and supply of alcohol you will need to complete an RSA course within 30 days.
How old do you have to be to get an RSA in New South Wales (NSW)?
In NSW, you can get an RSA at any age, but you may only serve alcohol once you turn 18 years old. Occasionally, a minor can serve alcohol but only with very limited approval from Liquor & Gaming NSW.
We recommend only getting an RSA just before you turn 18 so that you can maximise the amount of time you can work before needing to renew your competency.
How old do you have to be to get an RSA in Victoria (VIC)?
In Victoria, you can obtain an RSA at any age. However, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to serve alcohol so while you can hold an RSA Certificate at 17 you will not be able to serve alcohol until you turn 18.
As with NSW, we recommend getting your RSA just before you turn 18.
How old do you have to be to get an RSA in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)?
In the ACT, you may get an RSA certificate at any age, and you are allowed to be employed in a business that supplies or serves alcohol. However, it is illegal for an under-18 to supply or serve alcohol in an Adults-Only area of a licensed premises.
Under-18s with a valid RSA are allowed to serve customers alcohol in non-adult-only areas, for example in a café or a restaurant.
How old do you have to be to get an RSA in Western Australia (WA)?
In Western Australia, a person of any age may obtain an RSA certificate. However, for a minor to be employed in the supply or serving of alcohol, the licensed premises must seek prior approval from the Director of Liquor Licensing (DLL).
A minor can be employed in a licensed premises as long as they are not doing any work that is part of serving alcohol.
For example, a minor without prior approval from the DLL can not:
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Take payment or orders for alcohol.
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carrying alcohol to a customer’s table
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stocking minibars in hotel rooms
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delivering alcohol to a guest’s room
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carrying alcohol to a customer’s vehicle.
A minor can be employed on a licensed premises without approval to:
How old do you have to be to get an RSA in South Australia (SA)?
In South Australia, you can complete an RSA at any age but minors are not allowed to sell, supply or serve alcohol.
The only time a minor can sell, supply or serve alcohol is if the minor is:
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is 16 years or older, and
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is the child of the licensee or the responsible person for the venue, and
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lives on the premises.
How old do you have to be to get an RSA in the Northern Territory (NT)?
In NT, people of any age can obtain an RSA. However, under-18s are not allowed to possess, sell, serve or supply liquor in licensed premises without the permission of the Director Liquor Licensing.
An under-18 can possess, sell, serve or supply liquor in these situations:
Under 16 years and 8 months
Permission may be granted by the director only in exceptional circumstances.
Significant consultation and limitations would apply.
Over 16 years 8 months
The director may give permission to a licensee for:
Bar or servery duties can include:
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preparation and sale of drinks, such as pouring a beer or mixing a drink
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sale of pre-packaged liquor products - takeaway
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wait service of liquor
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placing orders to purchase liquor on behalf of the licensee
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unloading deliveries of liquor to the licensee and stocking of fridges.
Where to get an RSA Online?
CTA Training Specialists provides online RSA training. These are self-paced and completed entirely online.
Obtaining an RSA certification is a great first step for anyone interested in working in the hospitality industry. It helps provide you with the knowledge and skills to serve alcohol responsibly and create a safe and enjoyable environment for patrons.
If you’re under 18 it is important to understand the rules and laws that dictate where and how you can work in the supply and service of alcohol.
