RSA Course Online

Tag: Responsible Service of Alcohol Update

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: Licensees Defend their Venues

    Although licenced venues often get a bad rap, as licensees insist licenced venues are not to blame for the alcohol fuelled violence filling the streets each weekend night. Brawls, attacks and assaults seem to inundate the news these days. Now a Launceston hotel owner says that licenced premises are actually amongst the safest places to visit.

    A member of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, the licensee says that inside licensed venues are some of the safest places to enjoy alcohol, the problems occur on the streets and if these problems are alcohol-fuelled then the alcohol causing them is not being obtained at licenced premises.

    Usually the worst violent incidents occur many blocks away from licenced venues, so the blame that some people are placing on licensed venues is unwarranted, according to licensees.

    Read what one licensee had to say in defence of licenced venues recently, according to this post from www.examiner.com.au :

    Star Bar licensee Mick Acquarola, a Tasmanian Hospitality Association board member and past Launceston Liquor Accord vice chairman, said there had been no incidents at his business for “quite some time”.

    He said it was a misconception that licensed venues encouraged alcohol-related crime.

    “Incidents are happening, either at homes or away from venues,” Mr Acquarola said.

    “We have security and responsible service of alcohol procedures that we adhere to.

    “We keep our patrons safe.

    “It’s tough enough to get people out in winter time. We want to keep things positive.”

    Mr Acquarola said there was an assumption from media reports that people involved in bashings had been out drinking.

    “Incidents getting reported in the past few weeks have not been directly involved with a venue or outside the door of a venue,” he said.

    “They happen in the street, two to three blocks away, or in a suburb.”

    Source: http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1569301/alcohol-related-crime-not-fuelled-by-licensed-venues/

    The truth is that every Monday in the news we hear about the chaos that seems to erupt each weekend in entertainment districts around the country. It is true that licenced venues are some of the safest places to drink and stay safe and if we are to keep it that way it is important that licensees and their staff remember the importance of enforcing responsible service of alcohol.

    Firstly owners of licenced venues need to ensure that everyone they hire is either in possession of their RSA certificate or are in the process of obtaining it. This certificate or a copy needs to be kept on the licenced premises in case authorities call on it.

    Secondly licensees need to ensure that their employees aren’t just in possession of the RSA certificate but that they are enforcing the principles it teaches, in order to avoid alcohol fuelled misconduct and harm occurring within their venue.

    Servers of alcohol who perform their duties according to RSA regulations provide a duty of care to customers that in turn promotes job satisfaction. Workers who are serving customers responsibly are performing their duty, keeping themselves, their co-workers and their customers happy and safe.

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: Serving Alcohol to Underage Minors

    An incident which occurred in Wollongong, Fairy Meadow recently should serve as an example for staff of licenced venues about the consequences of serving alcohol to minors.

    Under Responsible Service of Alcohol law serving alcohol to minors carries major fines for workers, management and owners of establishments, but the real cost of serving teenagers are the social consequences, such as teenage drink driving, teenage pregnancy and teenage violence.

    There are also serious consequences for RSA staff if they are caught. Two liquor store employees have narrowly escaped criminal convictions after their actions allowed alcohol to get into the hands of a minor in Fairy Meadow.

    An article on www.illawarramercury.com.au detailed what happened:

    Wollongong Local Court magistrate Alison Viney yesterday released Fairy Meadow BWS employee Nicholas Jason Field, 25, and store licensee David Claydon, 46, on separate good behaviour bonds after the pair admitted their momentary lapses of judgment allowed the incident to occur on September 8 last year.

    The court heard Claydon was outside having a cigarette and Field in the store speaking on the phone when the under-age person approached the counter with two bottles of Sol beer.

    Defying company policy, which directs employees not to take phone calls when serving customers, Field continued with the call while the young person dropped the cash on the counter and walked out of the shop.

    The incident was observed by an off-duty police officer who knew the young person was under age.

    Field was charged with supplying liquor to a minor on a licensed premises and Claydon charged with allowing liquor to be sold to a minor as a licensee.

    Advocating on behalf of the men yesterday, barrister Jane Healey said they both deeply regretted the incident.

    Read more: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1436726/no-conviction-for-selling-alcohol-to-minor/

    This incident highlights the need to check identification before serving alcohol in order to avoid selling to minors. But as this incident proves failing to do so can have severe consequences not only for the youth who are served by also for the employees that serve them, including facing criminal charges in some cases.

    It also highlights the importance of Responsible Service of Alcohol training. Every worker in a licenced venue must undergo this training in order to learn about what the law says about serving alcohol responsibility and how to enforce RSA regulations.

    It should be noted that all it takes is one lapse in judgement for an incident such as the one above to occur. RSA staff most often do not purposely serve alcohol to minors but in certain situations servers may make a mistake, one which could land them and their employer in hot water. For example during peak times when the bar is busy, servers may fail to ask for an ID hoping for the best and having lots of impatient customers to serve, it is in these circumstances that these lapses in judgement may occur.

    An even more problematic issue that affects teens who drink are teens that develop a habit of alcoholism. Alcoholism is a substance abuse disorder in which the sufferer has problems managing how much alcohol they drink, and their lives as a result.

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: Man Arrested for Sly Grogging

    An elder statesman in The Odin’s Warriors outlaw motorcycle club has been arrested for sly-grogging. The motorcycle club then handed over the remainder of their stash of booze from their Moorooka clubhouse to the government.

    The man, Sergeant-at-arms Brian Whowell, 64, received a fine of $3000 for selling alcohol without a licence. He pleaded guilty in the Holland Park Magistrates Court.

    A reporter from www.News.com.au had this to say about the incident:

    The partially-deaf grandfather-of-three, who was without his hearing aid in court because it was sent away for repair after he stepped on it, took the rap for the sale of beer and spirits at a party at the bikies’ clubhouse on March 15.

    Police raided the Unwin St clubhouse where they found a throng of people drinking, a band playing, and drinks on display with a price list.

    Whowell was cooperative with police and told them he had the authority to take responsibility for the act, his lawyer Louisa Pink said.

    Magistrate Col Strohfeld ordered the alcohol be forfeited to the Crown, and referred Whowell’s fine to the State Penalties Enforcement, “or you can pass the hat around at the next meeting”.

    “I think we’ll have to,” Whowell replied.

    Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/odins-warriors-motorcycle-club-member-fined-for-selling-alcohol-without-licence/story-e6frfkp9-1226624412994#ixzz2RAdVspKP

    One of the reasons why sly-grogging is such a serious offence is because of it’s potential to cause damage to the community. The sale and supply of alcohol needs to be strictly regulated and monitored to ensure that it is not being sold in excess. That is one of the responsibilities of a licenced venue, to ensure that alcohol is being sold in a responsible manner that is not damaging to society.

    People who sell alcohol illegally are not adhering to the law and certainly are not observing Responsible Service of Alcohol laws. For example one of the rules of responsible service of alcohol is not providing alcohol to any unduly intoxicated patrons – it is highly unlikely that sly-groggers observe these regulations and therefore are causing harm to the individual being excessively served as well as the community.

    Servers of alcohol (including waitrons, barmen and security staff of licenced venues) must undergo Responsible Service of alcohol training in order to learn who to serve alcohol and to whom alcohol service should be denied. Training also includes how to enforce RSA laws.

    In addition to the harm that serving unduly intoxicated patrons can cause, servers are also making themselves liable to fines if caught by authorities.

    Remember servers and managers, as well as owners will be held responsible by authorities for everything that occurs within the walls of their venue. Intoxicated customers are more at risk than sober individuals when returning home as they are more vulnerable to car crashes and attacks. So you have a responsibility to yourself and to your patrons to ensure you act responsibly in your service of alcohol.

     

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: Doctors Warn Public about Impact of Excessive Drinking

    RSA staff, even more motivation for you to enforce responsible service of alcohol laws has come to light, with doctors and surgeons across Oz urging the nation to change its culture of drinking to reduce alcohol related harm from accidents and brawls.

    Doctors say the number of people being brought into surgery as a result of drunken violence is unacceptable. Injuries such as shattered jaws and severed tendons are now common in hospitals with doctors now describing much of their work as focusing on ”preventable tragedies” rather than paying attention to the people with natural diseases.

    People suffering from injuries, both self-inflicted and at the hands of some other drunken person are taking up space in hospitals and doctors time, time that could be spent on people with life threatening illnesses.

    I came across an interesting article on SMH.com.au which detailed the doctors’ frustration and the reason for their calls for more responsible drinking:

    Whether those people being wheeled into operating theatres are victims of their own drinking or other people’s, the vice-president of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Michael Grigg, says surgeons were referring to the situation as an epidemic.

    ”Surgeons are now spending an inordinate amount of time on alcohol-related injuries,” Professor Grigg, a vascular surgeon and professor of surgery at Melbourne’s Monash University, said.

    ”As a result of that we have commissioned our own internal report on this issue to guide our advocacy efforts. We expect to come up against the carefully marshalled forces of the alcohol industry. But we owe it to the community to highlight the extent of the damage being wrought by the abuse of alcohol.”

    While surgeons had previously worked with government to introduce legislation around blood-alcohol levels and drink-driving, a vascular and trauma surgeon at Sydney’s Liverpool Hospital, John Crozier, said clinicians were now tackling more alcohol-related injury and violence.

    More than 350 people died in Australia and 14,000 were hospitalised because of someone else’s drinking every year, he said.

    ”The tragedy is so much is preventable,” Dr Crozier said. ”Whether harm is occurring through an impulsive act by an intoxicated young person who ends up injuring themselves or someone else, or someone is harmed through an act of aggression by an intoxicated person, the end result can be horrific injuries and death.”

    Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/doctors-tired-of-alcohol-damage-20130427-2ilc7.html#ixzz2RwP1T7Vn

    The post went on to explain how every area of surgery is being affected by this epidemic, from plastic surgeons having to repair tendons of youths who get drunk and punch windows or orthopaedic surgeons having to fix the legs of people who get drunk, then have a fall.

    The doctors have called for stricter measures to be employed such as increasing tax on beverages proportionally to their alcoholic content and reducing the availability of alcohol in the community because as they point out prevention is better than cure.

    The post also documents the case of Damien Delgado who lost his leg in the 900 metres between the bar and his home. The man lost control of his ute in the rain and because he had consumed a few drinks before driving his judgement was impaired resulting in a crash which almost claimed his life. Doctors are urging people not to follow in Damien’s footsteps but rather learn from his mistakes and learn to drink moderately and responsibly.

    (Read the full story at: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/doctors-tired-of-alcohol-damage-20130427-2ilc7.html#ixzz2RwP1T7Vn)

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: Medical Operations Revamped due to Alcohol Violence

    Hospital emergency departments across the state of Victoria will be overhauled according to reports by The Herald Sun, in order to cope with the high number of alcohol and drug affected people that are monopolising hospitals. The government will review its drug and alcohol strategy to be able to improve Vic’s emergency departments.

    The government plans to use Australia Day as an opportunity to bring awareness to the need for a change in drinking attitudes across Oz. Part of the government’s plan also includes clamping down on the abuse of prescription drugs.

    The government’s strategy will also include a plan to be rolled out between 2013-2017 which will, strengthening drink driving laws as well as tackling anti-social behaviour programs. The government will also roll out drug and alcohol awareness programs throughout schools across the state.

    Hospitals will be given more money to deal with the large volumes of people being admitted for drug and alcohol related incidents. $12 million will be injected in emergency departments to help them cope with the increasing numbers.

    Authorities also intend to clamp down abuse of prescription drugs which is another increasing problem in the state.

    Read what this post had to say about government’s proposition:

    The Government will also toughen controls and programs to clamp down on illegal and misused prescription drugs.

    At least one Victorian is killed daily by drugs or alcohol.

    Central to the plan will be a $12 million emergency department injection to help hospitals deal with increasing numbers of dangerous drunk and drug-affected patients, particularly those using ice.

    Specialised medical staff will be placed in 21 emergency departments to take control of the most dangerous intoxicated patients.

    Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said the measures would see drugged and drunk patients referred to more appropriate care in an effort to cut hospital re-admissions.

    “Dealing with these patients requires intensive resources and places considerable pressure on hospitals,” Ms Wooldridge said.

    “This new initiative will provide better support, identification, management and treatment of people presenting to emergency departments who are intoxicated or drug-affected.”

    Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/top-stories/hospitals-overhauled-to-cope-with-drug-and-alcohol-violence/story-e6frfkp9-1226561254527#ixzz2IuFrpzkG

    The strategy will also incorporate tougher drug and medicine controls due to the increasing numbers of people misusing pharmaceutical drugs. They will also be cracking down on prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug abuse is the use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than as prescribed, or for the experience or feelings elicited. According to an American national survey, prescription medications, such as those used to treat pain, attention deficit disorders, and anxiety, are being abused at such a high rate that it is second only to marijuana among illicit drug use.

    Additional specialised medical staff located at 21 emergency departments will help get the situation under control and deal with those intoxicated patients that are dangerous and present a risk.

    The government’s strategy will ensure that people are not just treated for the injuries caused by their intoxication or drug abuse but it attempts to tackle the root of the issue and provide medical staff with the support they need to help these people.

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: New Zealand Tightens Alcohol Advertising Laws

    With alcohol advertising on the agenda in Oz recently it is interesting to see that New Zealand has altered its alcohol advertising laws. Alcohol advertising and promotion may no longer carry any environmental benefits of drinking and any ambiguous messages will no longer be allowed in NZ.The changes will come into effect as of January 2013.

    At the centre of the debate in Oz are questions about the effect of alcohol advertising on children in particular. Research shows that alcohol advertising and marketing messages are getting through to children and young people well below the legal drinking age. This is promoting underage drinking and the negative consequences that it brings. These advertisements and marketing strategies are making children and minors more accepting of alcohol and about the positive expectations about alcohol’s effects.

    Because of the damaging physical and psychological effects of alcohol they should be educated about its effects and not numbed to the consequences of binge drinking. Not only does it hamper their growth and affect their fragile emotional states but also hinders their psychological development, as many studies have proven.  Perhaps New Zealand’s example is one to be followed, if not entirely but at least in part.

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: Whisky Tasting for Dummies

     

    (Photo: zirconicusso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

     
    Have you ever wanted to attend a whisky tasting event but can’t tell you scotch from your bourbon. Here we have included some tips to help you distinguish between the many varieties of whisky available.
     
    For connoisseur’s it may be easy to tell the difference between various whiskies. But for those less versed in whisky trivia, it may be confusing to try and choose between different types of whisky. What is the best whisky, Scotch, Bourbon, Tennessee, Irish, there is so much variety that it can be overwhelming.
     
    Whisky basically is any alcohol distilled from fermented grain mash. All whiskies are distilled at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume. The difference between the various whiskeys relies mostly on the type of grain used for the mash.
     
    Scotch
     
    Whisky is made from fermented grain mash however scotch is made from malted Barley. Most Scotch makers use a base of barley, water and yeast to produce Scotch.  The spirit must be aged in oak casks for no less than three years. Finally, like Champagne comes only from the particular region in France with the same name, you cannot call your drink Scotch unless it was made 100% in Scotland.
     
    Bourbon
     
    Bourbon whisky must be made from a grain mixture which is at least 51% corn. The fermentation process for this mixture is often started by mixing in some mash from an older already fermenting batch, a process known as sour mash. Bourbon can only be labelled as Bourbon if it was made in the United States.
     
    The spirit must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol (160 proof), aged in new charred oak barrels. Finally Bourbon has no minimum aging period, but to call your product Straight Bourbon it must be aged for no less than two years and contain no additives.
     
    Tennessee Whiskey
     
    This whisky is straight bourbon made in the state of Tennessee. The people who produce this spirit, such as Jack Daniels, don’t want their whisky called a Bourbon, claiming that they are the only type of whisky which puts the spirit through a charcoal filtering process.  As a result the drink is given a different name but is made the same way as Bourbon.
     
    Irish Whisky
     
    Irish whisky is Whisky aged in the Republic of Ireland or in Northern Ireland. It is made from yeast-fermented grain mash. Irish whisky is aged for a minimum in 3 years in wooden casks.
     
    So now that you know the difference give them a try and see which one you like best.

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: Ways to Avoid too Much Holiday Drinking

    Making responsible choices concerning sensible drinking is an issue that you will most likely face especially during the holiday season. Responsible drinking may involve not drinking when a person is sick, taking medications or being the designated driver for friends or family. Responsible drinking means that you never have to feel sorry for what has happened while you were drinking and it doesn’t result in black outs or hangovers the next day. So ultimately responsible drinking involves not drinking to an extent that you become drunk.
     
    There are a few tips that you can keep in mind during the holiday season to keep you from making drinking mistakes.
     
    Know your limit and stick to it. Don’t be influenced or bullied by others to over indulge. Being drunk doesn’t mean you will have a better time.
     
    Eat before drinking and snack during drinking. This will help slow the absorption of alcohol into the blood stream.
     
    Sip on your drink, don’t gulp it. Binge drinking is problematic and can result in consequences that may cause injury. Alternate alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic ones to pace yourself and prevent you from becoming overly intoxicated.
     
    Don’t drink and drive. Arrange for a designated driver who is responsible to drive you home safely.

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update: How to Say No to an Intoxicated Customer

    Responsible service of alcohol involves refusing service of alcohol to customers who you believe have had too much to drink. Many incidents have occurred due to serving intoxicated patrons alcohol such as alcohol fuelled violence and other violent crimes.
     

    Although it may be difficult to refuse someone alcohol especially because customers may become offended, it is your duty to do so. Intoxicated customers are usually overly sensitive and overly confident which makes them act out.
     

    One of the major issues that we are facing at the moment is that of alcohol fuelled violence plaguing many of the entertainment districts across the country. Some of these violent incidents have resulted in the death of innocent people. Customers can exit your establishment and cause havoc outside or down the road. Customers may also cause a scene within your establishment, bringing down the reputation of the establishment and ultimately affecting business.
     

    Tact is needed and you should always remain respectful and understanding. You may need to remove a patron from the bar if they refuse to accept your decision to stop serving them.  The best approach is to inform the customer beforehand that they will not be allowed more alcohol. One of the options available is to politely inform the customer that they will only be served one or two more in advance to prepare them for the cut off in drinks. Then you should inform other servers as well as any bouncers or security along with your manager that a particular patron is close to their limit. It is much easier for a customer to understand this news before they become too intoxicated.
     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Update : NSW Laws Expand Pubs Trading

    Online RSA NSW Course recently approved by OLGR NSW!

     

    Available here for only $139 including the $70 OLGR Photocard fee.

    >> Click here for NSW RSA Course online. << According to new legislation in NSW, pubs can now expand trading of non-liquor services after liquor trading hours. The new law came into effect as of 30 March 2012. According to new law pubs and hotel operators can now trade food, entertainment, gambling and other services, even after they have stopped trading liquor.  The new legislation also enables hotels to provide breakfast and other non-gambling services without selling liquor. According to TheShout.com.au:

    NSW pubs have expanded powers for trading under new liquor and gaming laws that recently came into effect. The Clubs, Liquor, and Gaming Machines Legislation Amendment Act 2011 contained a range of reforms, including allowing hoteliers to cease liquor operations during approved trading hours but continue to provide other services. Effective from March 30, food service, entertainment, gambling activities, conferences and non-alcoholic beverages can now be offered without regular liquor trading. The amendment aims to de-couple liquor and gaming, in an attempt to address concerns about players gambling whilst intoxicated.

    Source:http://www.theshout.com.au/2012/04/23/article/Pubs-open-bars-closed-NSW-overhaul/JBUFWLKXCU.html

    The new law aims to separate the service of alcohol from other services such as gambling and also aims to increase the financial profitability of extended hours trading of services. According to The NSW Government  : Office of Liquor, Gambling and Racing:

    A new regulatory framework specifically provides for amalgamated registered clubs to de-amalgamate, or separate, while ensuring the financial viability of the de-amalgamating club is maintained, as well as a high level of transparency for club members.

    Source:http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/clubs_liquor_gaming_machine.asp

    While the new reforms allow for hoteliers to trade during hours when alcohol is not allowed to be served, it does not allow them to cease trading alcohol during the standard trading periods. The NSW Government goes on to state:

    Hoteliers can now trade at certain times of the day without the need to sell liquor, while providing other goods and services such as non-alcoholic beverages, food, entertainment, conference facilities, and in certain circumstances, gambling activities.Reforms to the primary purpose test in the Liquor Act 2007 now provide an exemption to the requirement that hoteliers must sell and supply liquor by retail at all times. Hoteliers can diversify their operations without the need for liquor to be available at all times. For example, hoteliers can offer a breakfast service and/or use of facilities for meetings and conferences in the morning without the need to operate a bar supplying alcohol. However, hoteliers cannot cease serving liquor while any type of gambling activity is available during the standard trading period (ie. 5am – midnight Monday to Saturday and 10am – 10pm Sunday) unless approval has been obtained from the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority. When considering an application, the Authority must be satisfied that the operation of gaming machines will not detract unduly from the character of the hotel. It must also be satisfied that gambling activities will be conducted in a responsible manner. The reforms also allow hotels to cease selling liquor and continue to provide other services, including gambling activities, during extended trading periods that have been approved under the liquor laws. Approval from the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority is not required for liquor sales to cease during approved extended trading periods. Extended trading periods generally commence after midnight Monday to Saturday, and after 10pm on Sundays. As well as allowing hoteliers to reduce costs and diversify their operations, the reforms can help to reduce reliance on liquor sales, particularly where there are concerns about patrons gambling under the influence of alcohol.

    Source:http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/clubs_liquor_gaming_machine.asp

    In addition to separating the services of gambling and liquor consumption from each other, because one is normally associated with the other, the new law aims to increase profits of businesses because now they can remain open and trade even after midnight when they cease to serve alcohol. The Government also aims to address concerns of people gambling while drunk, which in itself can lead to various other social problems. New laws also place greater responsibility on training providers and carry heavy fines for providers who do not abide by the regulatory framework provided for RSA and RCG training. A fine of $11 000 will be applied for training providers who do not conduct their activities as provisioned by regulations. According to NSW Government Site:

    Training providers are now subject to significant new penalties of up to $11,000 for fraudulent activities relating to the provision of responsible service of alcohol (RSA) or responsible conduct of gambling (RCG) training. The new offences strengthen the regulatory framework for RSA and RCG training in NSW, following an Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry that identified fraudulent and corrupt activity in this, and other, training sectors. Approved training providers now face penalties of up to $11,000 for breaching conditions of approval, or if they issue an interim certificate to a person who has not successfully completed an approved course. These new penalties also apply to non-approved persons who offer to provide training or imply that they are qualified to offer approved RSA or RCG training.

    Source:http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/clubs_liquor_gaming_machine.asp

    New legislature also has amendments for Hotel Gaming machine Thresholds, which government hopes will ease hotels permit transfer process. According to the NSW Government Site:

    A hotel’s gaming machine threshold now decreases when transferring poker machine permits from the hotel. Changes to the Gaming Machines Act 2001 better aligns poker machine permit trading with gaming machine entitlement trading.

    Source:http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/clubs_liquor_gaming_machine.asp