More than 40,000 hospitality workers across New South Wales have completed the updated Responsible Service of Alcohol course since new content on preventing sexual harassment and sexual assault was introduced seven months ago, according to the NSW Government. The milestone follows changes rolled out in June 2025, positioning NSW as the first jurisdiction in Australia to embed this training directly into RSA accreditation.
The updated course applies to staff working across pubs, clubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, and focuses on practical responses to behaviour that can place patrons or workers at risk. Participants are taught how to recognise early warning signs, check in with patrons, de-escalate situations and, where needed, escalate concerns to venue security or police.
Training is delivered through scenario-based learning in controlled environments, exposing workers to situations they may encounter on shift. These include unwanted physical contact, inappropriate comments and suspected drink spiking. The aim, according to the government, is to give staff confidence to intervene safely and appropriately rather than leaving them uncertain about how to respond.
The course also covers the legal framework around consent and coercion, linking venue responsibilities with broader workplace and community standards. It was developed by Liquor and Gaming NSW in collaboration with international organisation Good Night Out, which specialises in safer nightlife practices.
RSA certification remains mandatory for anyone serving or selling alcohol in NSW. New entrants to the industry now complete the updated content as part of their initial accreditation, while the RSA Refresher course, required every five years, is being updated so existing workers also receive the training. Licensee training has been strengthened as well, reflecting employer duties under the federal Respect@Work laws.
The reforms sit alongside other initiatives such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, which have been used in venues to support patron safety. Together, these measures form part of the Minns Government’s broader approach to supporting a safer night-time economy while encouraging venues to remain active and accessible.
Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said the uptake showed strong engagement from the industry. He said safety remained central to a good night out and that equipping staff with the right skills was a practical way to protect both patrons and workers as the night-time economy continues to recover.
Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis linked the training to wider reforms underway at SafeWork NSW, including the Respect at Work Strategy and increased investment in psychosocial safety. She noted that SafeWork has begun compliance activity in the hospitality sector and has held industry forums focused on preventing workplace sexual harassment.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the milestone indicated progress toward safer licensed venues, adding that updating both the main RSA and the refresher course would help ensure consistent standards across the industry over time.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison said the training formed part of broader prevention efforts aimed at changing attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to occur in social settings.
Industry groups have welcomed the changes. Australian Hotels Association NSW director of policy Chris Gatfield said the updated training provided practical tools for staff and licensees across hospitality settings. Steven Speed, licensee of the Fortune of War Hotel, said the information helped staff understand their responsibilities and how to respond if an incident occurs.
The NSW Government says further updates to refresher training will continue as the rollout progresses. Support services remain available, with anyone affected by sexual violence able to contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017.
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