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Tag: responsible service of alcohol course

  • Adjustments to Beer and Spirit Excise

    Responsible Service of Alcohol staff should be aware of changes to the beer and spirit excise which has been announced by the federal government recently.

    The federal government announced over the weekend that its’ half yearly increase on duty rates for alcoholic excisable goods would include an increase in beer and spirit excise as well as ready to drink products.

    An article on the hospitality website www.theshout.com.au detailed more about the excise hike:

    The latest data on the consumer price indices for the December Quarter 2013 reveals that new rates of duty on beer and spirits increase the price of full-strength beer by 29 cents per case, light beer by 11 cents per case and a 700ml bottle of spirits by 38 cents.

    A case of ready-to-drink products will also see a hike in price, increasing by 66 cents.

    Source: http://www.theshout.com.au/2014/02/05/article/Government-lifts-beer-spirits-excise/MFAPKJXDXZ.html

    The article on TheShout.com.au also went on to quote the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia’s spokesman, Stephen Riden who explained more about the impact of the excise hike on the consumer,

    The Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia’s (DSICA) information and research manager Stephen Riden said that the distilled spirits consumer was paying more tax on their drink of choice.

    “The latest excise hike sees a standard 700ml bottle of whiskey pay just under $22 in alcohol tax alone, before adding GST or any other costs,” Riden told TheShout. 

    “And as usual, the distilled spirits consumer is being treated inequitably over those drinking beers and wines.”

    Source: http://www.theshout.com.au/2014/02/05/article/Government-lifts-beer-spirits-excise/MFAPKJXDXZ.html

    One of the reasons for the hikes is the level to which people in Oz are binge drinking and abusing alcohol. While most people are drinking responsibly and moderately, those who have developed a culture of binge drinking are doing so more frequently and dangerously.

    It is important that as RSA staff we can easily recognise these alcohol abusers and binge drinkers so as to avoid serving them more alcohol than is necessary – this is a vital part of our RSA duties.

    Denying service to unduly intoxicated patrons is one of the cardinal rules of alcohol service and failure to do so may result in fines and further misconduct by these drunken patrons, either within the venue and/or on the streets of our entertainment districts.

    To learn more about Responsible Service of Alcohol legislation and your duty of care as a server of alcohol, you must complete formal RSA training.

    According to federal law people in the hospitality industry who work in venues where alcohol is sold, must be in possession of a RSA certificate. However this need not be a long, complicated and tedious process involving face-to-face training, RSA training is most commonly completed online, obviously because of the convenience of doing so but also because it is makes economic sense (online training costs a fraction of traditional training).

    To learn more about the RSA course or to register, please visit our homepage today or contact us for more information.

     

  • Fears that Non-violent Venues Unfairly Penalised by New Laws

    I recently came across an article on Smh.com.au which discussed the so-called ‘epidemic’ of alcohol fuelled misconduct and assaults in particular. The writer of the post questioned the validity of calling the problem an epidemic, providing statistics from an independent report into the 5 year statutory review of liquor laws.

    According to the report there were significant reductions in the following areas:

    ”on licensed premises (-28 per cent); alcohol-related assaults on police (-35 per cent); alcohol-related domestic assaults (-12 per cent); alcohol-related non-domestic assaults (-28 per cent); and hospital emergency department attendance rates for acute alcohol problems (-9 per cent) between 2008 and 2012”.

    Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/sydney-liquor-laws-a-blunt-instrument-that-misses-the-mark-20140201-31trx.html#ixzz2sRJNO0Ai

    Much of the fuss surrounding alcohol fuelled issues is related to cowardly one-punch incidents such as the one that resulted in the death of Daniel Christie on New Year’s Eve. Not too long ago another teen lost his life after being assaulted in Kings Cross, Thomas Kelly. These 2 deaths certainly indicated a serious problem which needed attention but many believe that Barry O’Farrell’s tough new laws will not achieve this.

    Many people believe that the measures are penalising responsible drinkers along with the problematic ones.

    The writer of the article on Smh.com.au detailed the side effects of implementing the new measures such as the lockouts and last drinks calls. Certain musical genres thrive only after dark and these musicians as well as their fans will be negatively affected and unfairly so.

    The article goes on to detail some of the other “injustices” of the measures:

    There seems an injustice that a venue supporting late-night entertainment, which has worked hard to keep its liquor licence without a mark to its name, should face the same fate as those venues proven to attract and service the violent and unsociable characters responsible for this debate.

    It is quite clear that there is a disconnect between young people and those changing the laws.

    Simon Caldwell has worked as a DJ for 20 years and has become somewhat of an icon of Sydney’s electronic music scene.

    Caldwell states the obvious fact that people want to go out and they don’t want to have to go home at either one or three in the morning. And should they have to?

    (Read more about the writer’s opinion here: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/sydney-liquor-laws-a-blunt-instrument-that-misses-the-mark-20140201-31trx.html#ixzz2sRJNO0Ai)

    There are also concerns that Barangaroo and The Star are being exempted from the laws which many see as unfair.

    Perhaps one of the most extreme of the measures implemented is the laws that tackle alcohol-fuelled crime, including a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years in jail for fatal “one-punch” assaults where drug or alcohol use is a factor.

    Also venues in the Sydney City precinct will be subject to a 1:30am lockout and a 3am last drinks call. Bottle stores across the state also didn’t escape the reach of the new laws and are now forced to shut their doors at 10pm.

     

  • FARE pushes for 10pm Alcohol Ban

    Prominent anti-alcohol campaigners, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) are lobbying for Tasmanian licensed venues to be banned from selling strong alcoholic drinks after 10pm.

    FARE has made a number of recommendations but one of the most notable is the 10pm strong alcohol ban. The group wants licensed venues in the state to stop serving shots, pre-mixed drinks with more than 5 per cent alcohol and mixed drinks with more than 30ml of alcohol after 10pm.

    FARE made the recommendations to a review of Tasmania’s Liquor Licensing Act which included forcing venues to record alcohol sales data, trading hours and attendance numbers and have the data released publicly.

    An article on TheShout.com.au went on to describe some of the other recommendations made by FARE,

    It wants venues forced to have supervisors from 11pm with a sole role of monitoring responsible serving of alcohol practices.

    The laws should also force venues to stop alcohol sales half an hour before closing time, FARE argues.

    The review is likely to lead to changes to licensing laws.

    FARE also wants more challenging requirements for people to obtain and keep liquor licences, and naming and shaming of venues found to have breached responsible service of alcohol requirements.

    Source: http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/2003232/10pm-drinks-ban-push/

    According to the submission made by FARE, stronger controls are needed because alcohol is now more affordable than it has been over the last 3 decades. It is also more available than ever before with alcohol costing as little as 24c for a standard drink in the state. FARE has urged the review to consider these issues relating to low cost, wide availability and the promotion of alcohol. The article went on to explain:

    “Across Australia today, alcohol is more affordable than it has been in over three decades,” the FARE submission said.

    “It is more available than it has ever been and it is more heavily promoted.”

    It said alcohol could be bought in Tasmania for as little as 24c per standard drink.

    “Alcohol has also become more readily available in Tasmania, with the number of liquor outlets increasing by 25 per cent over nine years.”

    “Given the importance of these factors in contributing to alcohol-related harms, it is important that this review considers the price, availability and promotion of alcohol.”

    Source: http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/2003232/10pm-drinks-ban-push/

    To avoid stricter controls being implemented across Tasmania it is important that licensed venues act to prove that these controls are not necessary. The best way to do this is to ensure responsible service of alcohol in venues.

    Licensees need to ensure that they have completed Responsible Service of Alcohol training and that all staff employed within the licensed venue have also done so, whether they are serving alcohol directly or simply clearing tables – everyone from security staff to management and bartenders must be in possession of an RSA certificate if they are employed in a licensed venue.

    The RSA course can be completed quickly, conveniently and easily online. Visit our homepage today for more info.

  • Sydney Panel to make Suggestions on State’s Nightlife

    Sydney will hopefully become less violence infested since the foundation of a panel to make suggestions on issues affecting Sydney’s nightlife has been announced.

    The jury of more than 40 citizens is going to be empanelled with the task of tackling the issue of alcohol fuelled violence plaguing Sydney’s streets.

    The panel is a joint effort, initiated by The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation, the City of Sydney, the NSW government and the independent newDemocracy Foundation.The group will be composed of 43 randomly selected citizens of Sydney who are not affiliated with any parties, lobbyists or interest groups. Members of the panel will be asked to compile at least 5 recommendations to help make Sydney’s night life safer and less violence prone.

    The initiative is being championed by someone who has been directly affected Sydney’s violent night life, Ralph Kelly, the father of teenager Thomas Kelly.

    Thomas Kelly was slain in the notorious Kings Cross District last year when he decided to visit the area for the first time.

    An article on www.TheAustralian.com.au explains,

    Ralph Kelly, the father of Thomas Kelly who died after being king hit at Kings Cross in July last year, said the panel would hopefully cut through self-interest and conflicting views.

    “I hadn’t appreciated just how politically complex this issue is,” Mr Kelly, who founded the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation, said on Tuesday.

    “I just want a jury of people to really look at what is happening and for there to be a sensible and informed conversation which government listens to.

    “We don’t know what the outcome will be, but I think a citizens’ jury is a way to get beyond the simple back-and-forth between lobbies which goes nowhere.”

    Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/sydneysiders-set-to-form-jury-on-alcohol/story-fn3dxiwe-1226720885641

    The primary sponsors of the initiative are the City of Sydney and the NSW government and will cost the state more than $132,000.

    The call for jury members will be issued to a group of randomly selected Sydney residents from a selected sample of 20,000. The jury will also be made up of university and TAFE students to ensure that the 18-24 year old demographic is adequately represented.

    Discussions will begin early next year and will include 6 face-to-face meetings where members of the panel will be asked to come up with set recommendations to reduce Sydney’s nightlife violence that could be attached and accomplished in a set timeframe.

    Various interest groups will be allowed to voice their opinions to the jury who will make the ultimate decisions. These decisions will then be taken, as is to parliament.  The article on www.TheAustralian.com.au goes on to explain:

    Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said expert groups, interest groups, community groups and lobbyists will be invited to make their case, but the extent of their role will be in the hands of the jury.

    NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has agreed the recommendations of the jury will be taken to parliament unaltered, she said.

    Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/sydneysiders-set-to-form-jury-on-alcohol/story-fn3dxiwe-1226720885641

  • Why so many road crashes are caused by Alcohol

    It seems that drink driving is one of those problems that is universal, no matter where you go in the world you will probably find drink drivers, in some places the problem may be worse than in others.

    Recently in New Zealand a woman was killed in an early morning crash which left another 3 people injured. We seldom hear of people drink driving in the early morning unless they are still on a buzz from the night before. It is not known whether the driver involved in this incident was intoxicated from the night before or began drinking early in the morning, the accident took place in Auckland around 5:30am.

    The vehicle was apparently travelling quite slowly at below 50km per hour but passengers weren’t wearing seatbelts and the driver may have been intoxicated which is what is suspected to have caused the crash and resulted in a fatality.

    The accident happened when the vehicle carrying 4 people collided with another vehicle before smashing into a power pole. The driver of the vehicle, a 20 year old woman died and the other occupants of the vehicle were injured. The second car’s occupant was not injured.

    The occupants of the first vehicle were trapped and had to be freed from the wreckage by firefighters. The injured were taken to Auckland Hospital for treatment. The article on Fullyloaded.com.au goes on to explain,

    However, speed may not have been a factor, as police told 3News it was believed the car was not travelling at more than 50 km/h.

    Police will investigate whether alcohol was involved, with toxicology tests due to be taken during a post-mortem tomorrow.

    Bottles of alcohol were found inside the vehicle, Senior Sergeant Matt Knowsley said.

    “Whether that alcohol was actually involved in the operating of the vehicle we don’t know. We’re trying to firm it up.”

    Mr Knowsley said police suspected the occupants of the crashed car were not wearing seatbelts.

    A number of people witnessed the crash, who were being interviewed by police.

    “It’s not a nice thing to see on a Sunday morning, or at any time, for that matter,” Mr Knowsley said.

    Police were in the process of formally identifying the deceased woman and notifying her next of kin.

    “The message here is, as with most accidents, they are avoidable,” Senior Sergeant Logan Christian said.

    Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11135642

    As this incident proves, intoxicated drivers do not need to be travelling over the speed limit to get into or cause a crash. This vehicle was travelling below the speed limit when it crashed and even cars travelling at moderate speeds can be involved in fatal accidents. This is a warning to all drivers about the dangers of drink driving and a reminder to RSA staff to ensure that customers who are intoxicated are not allowed to get behind the wheel. If you notice that they are intoxicated ask them if you can assist by calling a cab or a friend for them.

  • Serving Alcohol Responsibly: Illegal “Home Bottle Store” Seized

    Police are targeting home bottle stores since the discovery of an illegal home shop last week. Police found numerous bottles of alcohol in the house and discovered that the homeowners were actually running an illegal alcohol shop, charging as much as $100 for a bottle of spirits and $150 for a block of beer. This is despite the ban on full strength take-away alcohol in the area since 2007.

    This post from Yahoo News explains further:

    Fitzroy Crossing police are targeting illegal home bottle shops after alcohol was seized from a house in the Junjuwa community last week.

    Officers executed a search warrant on the home and uncovered 52 bottles of bourbon, 21 bottles of wine, 14 bottles of scotch, four bottles of rum and seven blocks of beer throughout the house.

    Sen. Sgt Andrew Stevens said the homeowners were charging $100 for a bottle of spirits and $150 for a block of beer.

    A ban on full-strength takeaway alcohol came into force in Fitzroy Crossing in 2007.

    Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/18767879/police-seize-alcohol-from-home-bottle-shop/

    One of the reasons why home bottle stores are so bad for the community is because in addition to not adhering to tax laws, these operators are not adhering to Responsible Service of Alcohol laws.

    Regulation of these illegal shops is impossible so they can sell alcohol to minors, to alcoholics or drunk customers and can cause violence to erupt in the community without authorities having any means of recourse if they do not know where these illegal home shops are being run.

    This community was noted for alcohol fuelled problems which is why a ban on full strength take-away alcohol was implemented in the first place and any positive change seen by this ban is often erased by unscrupulous illegal traders, taking advantage of members of the community by charging exorbitant prices for alcohol.

    There is a reason why it is so important that people who serve or sell alcohol are trained to do so, it is so that the community is not harmed by this. This is precisely why Australian legislation dictates that anyone who sells or serves alcohol complete the Responsible Service of Alcohol course.

    The course covers the following important topics

    1. An introduction to RSA – teaching you the principles of serving alcohol responsibly.
    2. RSA legislation – covering the skills and knowledge necessary to sell or serve alcohol according to NSW legislation. Here you will learn about the legal requirements of RSA.
    3. The impact of alcohol – including the risks to your patrons, including long-term health problems, associated with alcohol consumption. You will also learn how alcohol impacts on personal and community health.
    4. The section on RSA strategies will provide you with a range of skills that will help you to comply with the requirements of the liquor laws.  This section helps workers practically apply what they have learnt by looking at role plays demonstrating best practice in RSA strategies.

     

     

  • Parents Supplying Teens with Alcohol under NSW Laws

    An article on Illawarra Mercury’s website recently discussed the NSW law which allows parents to supply alcohol to their children and supply alcohol to the children’s friends with their parent’s permission.

    Under the current law in the state, parents can provide alcohol to the kids and authorise other adults to give their children alcohol.

    A NSW mother, Fiona Morgan speaks about the importance of weighing the issue, even though she would not give alcohol to her son Adam, her 15 year old son however she did agree with the law in principle.

    She went on to explain in the post on www.Illawarramercury.com.au

    “If it comes through parents and permission is being provided, you know what and how much they’re drinking,” she said.

    “If not, kids will get alcohol elsewhere and it won’t be in a controlled environment, and that’s when it gets dangerous.”

    The NSW Legislative Committee on Social Policy is conducting an inquiry into the appropriateness of laws relating to provision of alcohol to minors, with the hot-button issue being the ability of parents to either directly supply, or allow another adult to supply, their children with alcohol.

    Lance Barrie, research manager at the University of Wollongong’s Centre for Health Initiatives, said the issue of “secondary supply” was one of the biggest problems around minors and alcohol.

    “In NSW, there is no limit on the amount of alcohol that can be supplied,” he said.

    “NSW has better laws than some other states but they could definitely be tightened up.”

    Read more at: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1636606/teen-drinking-should-parents-be-allowed-to-supply-alcohol/?cs=12

    According to the National Health and Medical Research Council it is best that parents delay drinking among their teens for as long as possible for their health and safety, especially because of its effect on their developing brains and nervous system.

    Some of the worst case scenarios that can result from teen drinking is binge drinking, drink driving and unsafe sex which is why abstinence is best for teenagers. Not only are teens at risk of teenage pregnancy, contracting STDs, being involved in drink driving crashes and other violence but they are also damaging their health which could have long term consequences.

    How does this NSW law regarding teenage drinking affect RSA Staff?

    The fact of the matter is that anyone employed in a licenced venue should not be serving alcohol to minors and may be at risk of receiving a fine of up to $11,000 and possible jail time for breaking this law.

    A person must not obtain liquor from licensed premises on behalf of a minor unless the person is the parent or guardian of the minor. Anyone who fails to adhere to this law may receive an $11,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment (or both). They are also at risk of receiving an on-the-spot fine of $1,100.

    Parents, while it’s difficult to prevent teenagers from experimenting with alcohol, you can encourage sensible drinking habits, especially if you are going provide them the alcohol.

     

  • Skills Shortage Drives Up Pub Salaries

    Even more good news for those looking for a new job or just wanting a change in careers, according to reports a skills shortage in the hospitality sector has driven up pub salaries – even more incentive to enter this exciting industry.

    But if you are contemplating switching to the hospitality sector, you will first have to undergo the necessary skills training, this includes undergoing the mandatory Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. (The law dictates that any worker in a venue where alcohol is served must undergo this training before beginning work in a licenced venue).

    According to reports chefs, pub managers etc. are now in such high demand that they are commanding top salaries. Some bar and restaurant owners are even being forced to offer up stakes in their businesses to attract and retain employees, according to leading recruitment firm Michael Page.

    This post from TheShout.com.au explains,

    A total of 67 per cent of employers surveyed by Michael Page Hospitality & Leisure reported that skills shortages would cause salaries in the sector to rise above the inflation rate in the next 12 months.

    The recruiter’s 2013/14 Salary and Employment Forecast also found that more than a third of employers (34 per cent) thought it would be difficult for them to maintain headcount in the current climate.

    Michael Page Hospitality & Leisure senior consultant Warren Coxall told TheShout the roles in highest demand in pub, bar and restaurant groups are executive chefs and venue managers.

    He said that depending on their level of experience, executive chefs now command salaries of between $90,000 and $130,000 in most Australian states.

    Venue managers meanwhile can command anywhere from $65,000 to $120,000, depending on the venue.

    But with the best candidates able to command a salary increase of 10 to 15 per cent every time they move jobs, Coxall said salary alone may not be enough to ensure their loyalty.

    Read the full post at: http://www.theshout.com.au/2013/07/22/article/Skills-shortage-driving-up-pub-salaries/LULUQYEKDQ.html

    It is interesting and encouraging to hear that workers in the hospitality sector who are skilled are being appreciated and rewarded appropriately. It is also an incentive to young people who are looking for a career or those wishing to take a year or two to figure out what they want to do, to enter the hospitality sector.

    While serving alcohol or in fact engaging in any work in a pub is rewarding and for many people exciting, it is also challenging especially when faced with difficult patrons whose intention is to drink excessively. Balancing the need to serve alcohol responsibly with good customer service can be difficult but that is what makes this industry so interesting –the fact that it is a challenge but only if you are appropriately trained.

    Managers of licensed venues should ensure all employees know the products that they sell as well as being trained in Responsible Service of Alcohol. Staff of licensed venues from security staff to bartenders must obtain the RSA certificate. Luckily this RSA certificate is easy to obtain – simply complete an online course. Visit our homepage today for more information or to register.

     

  • Statistics Show Anti-Violence Measures Working

    Good news recently emerged about the number of violent incidents occurring at venues in NSW. According to BOCSAR (NSW Bureau of Statistics, Crime and Research) figures there has been a significant reduction in violence in venues, a fact that the industry attributed to better preventative practices.

    The number of assaults happening on licenced premises apparently fell 23.7 per cent according to the BOCSAR report.

    Between January 2007 and December 2012the number of assaults reported in licenced venues dropped significantly. BOCSAR however did caution that these figures may be exaggerated slightly because venues may fail to report incidents for fear of licence restrictions or loss under NSW disciplinary schemes.

    BOCSAR then reportedly tested the validity of the figures by analysing 1600randomly selected incidents that took place during the same period and found “no statistical significance” in the rate of reporting by RSA staff at venues with recognised violence history versus those without.

    This BOCSAR report comes shortly after the latest list of NSW’ most violent venues was released in March. The list featured the fewest venues since the program began which shows that perhaps the new measures are working.

    An article on TheShout recently discussed the decline in assaults in licenced venues in the state as reported by BOCSAR and interviewed The AHA’s NSW directors of policing and regulations John Green. He told TheShout.com that the new measures involving operators and authorities are having the desired effect. As far as they are concerned, BOCSAR’s report further solidifies that new measures are working. RSA staff are doing their bit, working with police and reporting incidents.

    He went on to explain in the article:

    “And if you consider assaults in and around licensed premises are now at their lowest level in over 15 years, it demonstrates that licensees are working with police to reduce violence in and around venues.”

    The precinct most thwarted by the increased focus on anti-social behaviour, Kings Cross, has seen significant changes, which CEO of the Kings Cross Liquor Accord Doug Grand says have made a big difference.

    “In regards to the new measures in Kings Cross one of the main issues was the lack of late night transport options to allow late night patrons to leave the area,” said Grand.

    “The major improvement under the Kings Cross Plan of Management has been the improved operation to the late night secure taxi rank in Bayswater Road and additional late night buses.

    “This, along with a higher visibility police presence, and a collaborative focus between venues and Government, is having a positive effect in driving down anti-social behaviour.”

    Source: http://www.theshout.com.au/2013/08/07/article/Anti-violence-measures-working/ZMMXNFYASK.html

    It is important that employees of licenced venues continue to work with police and report violent episodes but it is also important that these staff do all they can to prevent situations escalating to this degree in the first place.

    In order to do this employees of licenced venues must complete the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course – in addition to being a mandatory requirement in NSW it will also teach them what they need to know about serving alcohol responsibly so that customers do not become overly intoxicated and out of hand. Our homepage has more information about the RSA Course and how it can be completed today.

     

  • Driving under the influence facts and stats

    [media url=”tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iGgRVl-WFE&feature=player_embedded” width=”600″ height=”300″ jwplayer=”autostart=true”]

    Source: https://www.serenitygroup.com/driving-under-the-influence-facts-and-stats