General Description

Provide responsible service of alcohol ( or commonly known as RSA) is a unit of competency within the SIT training package and can be completed on its own. A Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment (SoA) will be issued to the candidates upon satisfactory completion of all assessments.

This course meets the requirements for the national accredited unit “SITHFAB0021 Provide Responsible Service of alchohol” and the state requirements for:

• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Queensland
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

RSA Certification requirements differ across states and territories. This course covers the RSA skill and knowledge requirements common to all States and Territories. Some legislative requirements and knowledge will differ across borders.  In some cases after completion of this unit, state and territory liquor authorities require candidates to complete a bridging course to address these specific differences.

The RSA course content covers the legal requirements for a person to work in a bar or restaurant serving alcohol. It focuses on the areas of identifying intoxicated customers, customer service with attention to refusal of service to patrons, compliance with legal issues and assisting customers to drink sensibly. This course is designed for staff members who are  currently working in the industry or intend to work in the hospitality industry. It is a requirement in Western Australia that all staff working in venues that sell alcoholic beverages undertake this Responsible service of alcohol course.

Unit Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to responsibly sell or serve alcohol.

Responsible practices must be undertaken wherever alcohol is sold or served, including where alcohol samples are served during on-site product tastings. This unit, therefore, applies to any workplace where alcohol is sold or served, including all types of hospitality venues, packaged liquor outlets and wineries, breweries and distilleries.

The unit applies to all levels of sales personnel involved in the sale, service and promotional service of alcohol in licensed premises. Those selling or serving alcohol may include food and beverage attendants; packaged liquor sales persons selling in person, over the phone or online; winery, brewery and distillery cellar door staff; and supplier sales representatives. The unit also applies to security staff who monitor customer behaviour and to the licensee who is ultimately responsible for responsible service of alcohol (RSA) management.

The unit incorporates the knowledge requirements, under state and territory liquor licensing law, for employees engaged in the sale or service of alcohol.

Certification requirements differ across states and territories. In some cases all people involved in the sale, service and promotional service of alcohol in licensed premises must be certified in this unit. This can include the licensee and security staff.