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Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA)

Find a workshop or trainer

Individuals wishing to attend an RSA workshop or find a local training provider should visit 'Responsible Serving of Alcohol Training Provider List' in the right hand menu.

Online RSA refresher course

Those who have previously completed an RSA workshop can update their knowledge online by viewing the RSA refresher course which can be found in the right-hand menu. An online quiz is also available. 

About RSA training

The Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA) course is designed to provide liquor service staff with the knowledge and awareness necessary to responsibly serve alcohol on a licensed premises.

The RSA program is a half-day workshop approved by the Director of Liquor Licensing and run by accredited RSA trainers. Arrangements can be made for the workshop to be delivered at licensed premises during the day or evening.

Persons who satisfactorily complete the course receive an RSA certificate.

Currently in Victoria, it is compulsory to complete an approved RSA course if you are:

• employed at a supermarket or stand alone bottle shop (which holds a Packaged Liquor Licence)
• working at a venue which has on its licence a condition that requires staff to have an RSA certificate
• applying for a new liquor licence.

Otherwise, it is recommended but not compulsory.

To meet the legal requirement, you must have a certificate signed by the Director of Liquor Licensing upon completion.

It would be wise to ask the training organisation if you will receive this type of certificate.

Who should attend RSA training?

Any staff member involved in the supply or service of liquor will benefit from RSA training.

Compulsory RSA training is often a condition for the granting or renewing of a liquor licence. It is also mandatory for anyone left in charge of a packaged liquor store.

What you will learn?

The RSA program covers:

• problems associated with excessive consumption
• alcohol and the law
• the question of whose responsibility is RSA
• facts about alcohol
• improving the atmosphere of your premises
• handling difficult customers.

Benefits of the training

RSA training can be a sound investment in your staff and business. Requiring service staff to complete the training can help to:

• foster a safer and more appealing atmosphere
• improve staff morale and reduce staff turnover
• minimise property damage
• reduce the risk of legal problems
• improve relationships with neighbours and police
• enhance the reputation of the premises and increase the likelihood of repeat business.

How long do RSA certificates last?

If you work in a venue with a packaged liquor licence, managers have to update their knowledge annually and staff bi-annually. This can be done by completing the online RSA refresher course. Attach the Letter of Acknowledgment you receive (on successful completion of the test) to your original RSA certificate as evidence that you have refreshed your knowledge.

Otherwise it is recommended you refresh your knowledge every three years.

Becoming an RSA Training Organisation

The link to 'Becoming an RSA Training Organisation' in the right-hand menu provides information on how a registered training organisation can become accredited to teach the RSA course.