The New South Wales Government has announced that new tiered training courses will be introduced for on-premise licensees and managers to ensure a safe and vibrant hospitality scene across the state.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole stated that the new training will build on the current Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course, to build a consistent foundation for the running of a licensed venue.
“This new initiative recognises that managing a hotel, bar, restaurant, club or other venue serving alcohol is an important job with a lot of responsibility,” stated MP Toole.
“This training will bolster the knowledge and skills of hospitality managers, will help ensure venues are run professionally, and provide safe and welcoming environments for patrons to enjoy.”
The new training will be introduced in the last quarter of 2018, and will be tiered to reflect the level of responsibility for anyone in a management position at a hotel, bar or restaurant. The training will be available to all hospitality workers including front-of-house staff looking to further their careers.
Standardised testing
A spokesperson for Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW), said that the new training would bring management standards in the state in line with other states across Australia.
“The training for licensees and managers will be mandatory across all venues in NSW and is being introduced with the support of the industry. It brings NSW into line with similar higher level training for licensees and managers operating in other states.
“The move to specialist training for licensees and managers recognises that managing a hotel, bar or club is an important job with a lot of responsibility. These roles need a more detailed understanding of liquor laws and compliance responsibilities than is covered by current RSA training.”
The new training courses will cover issues such as legal responsibilities and obligations, liquor licence requirements and best practice venue management, and have been designed in consultation with the industry, police and health organisations.
The Australian Hotels Association New South Wales (AHA NSW) also worked with L&GNSW on the framework, having recognised the need for standardised training.
“AHA NSW welcomes the Minister’s announcement – better training for licensees is something we have advocated over a long period of time,” stated John Green, AHA NSW’s director of liquor and policing.
Green cited the lack of formal training over the last few years in New South Wales for on-premise managers.
“The previous licensee course run by TAFE hasn’t been conducted for some years – meaning some licensees merely had to obtain their Responsible Service of Alcohol course to run a pub.
“AHA NSW has filled the void by running industry-specific courses including the popular ‘Hotels and the Law’ seminars, run both at our offices and across regional NSW.”
“AHA NSW has been – and will continue to be – involved in the development of the training.”
The courses are expected to run for one day and will be available face-to-face, or online with a live assessment component. The framework will be implemented in stages to minimise impacts on day-to-day operations.
Venue operators seeking further information can email rto.enquiries@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au