Starting a job in hospitality often begins with working as a Barista. If the café only serves coffee and food, you won’t need extra certification. But many venues also serve alcohol, and here’s when the rules change. To serve drinks legally, you’re expected to complete Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training.
Coffee School offers RSA courses approved by Liquor Control Victoria, available in our Melbourne location or online through a live classroom. Complete your RSA training now and show employers you’re ready for your first shift.
What is an RSA Certificate
An RSA certificate shows you understand how to serve alcohol safely and within the law. Training covers the effects of alcohol, how to recognise when someone has had too much, and the correct way to refuse service. It also sets out the legal responsibilities of both staff and venue operators.
Employers will definitely verify this certificate before adding you to the roster. Without it, many licensed venues won’t hire you, and in cafés that also serve alcohol, you’ll miss out on shifts that involve evening or weekend service.
When Do You Need an RSA
If a venue holds a liquor licence, staff must hold an RSA. That covers cafés that serve wine or cocktails, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bottle shops. Coffee-only venues don’t require it, but many managers still prefer candidates who have one in case they want to expand their menu.
It is true that some venues allow you to start work on the condition that training is completed within a specified timeframe, but others won’t put you on the roster until you have shown your RSA. So, without an RSA, you won’t only miss out on shifts that involve serving alcohol, but many licensed cafés and restaurants are likely to not hire you at all. Having it done before you apply can put you ahead of other candidates.
RSA Rules Across Australia
The tricky part is that each state has its own requirements. If you’re new to the industry, that can make it hard to know what applies to you. Here’s how RSA requirements work across Australia.
New South Wales
In NSW, you need an RSA for any licensed job. It must be completed with a provider approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW. The certificate lasts five years, then you renew it with a short refresher course. Many staff plan ahead to renew before busy summer periods.
Victoria
All staff serving alcohol in Victoria must complete RSA training with a provider approved by Liquor Control Victoria. Graduates receive an LCV-approved certificate and a Statement of Attainment for the national RSA unit, which allows them to work in licensed venues across the state.
Queensland
In Queensland, an RSA stays valid for three years. You can take the course online or in person, but only if it is offered through a registered provider. Employers often review expiry dates annually to ensure their rosters remain compliant.
Western Australia
In WA, you must be able to show proof of RSA during shifts, so many workers keep a digital copy on their phone. Online training is valid, though bigger venues often prefer staff who’ve trained face-to-face.
South Australia
South Australian law requires RSA training before you can start in a licensed venue. Some employers also run their own refresher training every few years to keep staff up to date with legal changes.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, RSA certification is compulsory for anyone serving alcohol. The state accepts nationally recognised training units, and courses are available both online and in person. Employers usually require certificates to be lodged before staff are rostered.
Northern Territory
RSA certification is mandatory and must be renewed every three years. Employers must keep accurate records of staff certificates, and inspectors can request these during compliance checks. Many workers plan their refresher training ahead of peak tourist seasons.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, RSA training is required for staff in licensed venues. Courses must be completed with a provider approved by Access Canberra. Staff must present a current certificate before beginning shifts.
What You Learn in RSA Training
Coffee School runs RSA courses alongside a full range of hospitality training at our Melbourne CBD location. From Food Handling to Restaurant Waiting and the Barista Master Class, the courses give you the best chance to begin a career in hospitality or move into a new one.
The RSA course takes four hours in person or six hours online in a live classroom. Assessment requires you to show how you would handle common workplace situations, not just answer theory questions. Trainers who also teach our Barista courses use examples drawn from cafés, so the training feels directly connected to the jobs you’ll apply for.
The RSA course covers:
- Risks linked to excessive alcohol use
- Legal responsibilities of staff and venues
- How to recognise and manage intoxication
- Practical refusal techniques
When you finish, you receive two documents: an RSA certificate approved by Liquor Control Victoria and a Statement of Attainment for the national RSA unit. Both qualify you to work in licensed venues across Victoria.
Keeping Your RSA Current
RSA renewal times differ: five years in NSW, three in the NT, and in Victoria, you remain valid unless the rules change. Some employers may also establish their own refresher schedules, especially in larger venues, to ensure staff are up to date. If your RSA lapses, you may be taken off shifts until it’s renewed, so check the expiry date on your certificate and book a refresher before it expires.
Coffee School Melbourne makes it easy to keep current with both in-house and online RSA training. Book your refresher or complete your first RSA course now to stay eligible for work in licensed cafés and restaurants.
