Online RSA Course: Learn How to Handle Any Alcohol Service Scenario

If your job involves serving alcohol, it is likely that you face challenging situations from time to time. Whether you're handling a customer who's had too much to drink or suspect a patron may be underage, Food Safety First's online Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course equips you with the skills to make confident, informed decisions.

By equipping yourself with the right skills and knowledge, you can confidently handle any alcohol service scenario, ensuring you comply with laws and regulations while keeping your patrons safe.

Why is RSA training important?

An accredited RSA course not only helps you meet regulatory requirements, but also prepares you for the realities of alcohol service. RSA certification, which is mandated across Australia, ensures that anyone serving alcohol does so responsibly. But beyond ticking the compliance box, the course can also help you manage tough situations effectively.

Serving alcohol can be complex. From identifying intoxicated customers to managing aggressive behaviour, a government-approved RSA course will provide strategies to handle these situations with confidence. 

Whether you’re new to the hospitality industry or have been serving for years, completing an RSA course online can provide the practical knowledge required to perform your role safely and responsibly.

What does the online RSA course cover?

Food Safety First’s online RSA course helps you develop a robust understanding of the legal obligations associated with responsible alcohol service while also providing you with practical techniques for minimising harm. Key topics include:

• Legal requirements: The laws governing alcohol service, including age restrictions and penalties for non-compliance.
• Understanding alcohol and its effects: How alcohol affects the body and mind, and the potential risks associated with excessive consumption
• Responsible service strategies: Techniques for promoting responsible drinking, including ID checks, refusing service or offering water and food.
• Handling difficult situations: Skills that enable you to refuse service, deal with intoxicated customers and prevent violence and other issues in a professional manner.

These subjects form the foundation of the course, which is divided into the 16 lessons listed below:

Lesson 1 - The social impacts of alcohol and RSA responsibilities.

Lesson 2 - The impacts of alcohol on the body.

Lesson 3 - Blood alcohol concentration and the factors that affect it.

Lesson 4 - Calculating and serving standard drinks.

Lesson 5 - The signs of intoxication.

Lesson 6 - The duty of care concepts and principles of harm minimisation.

Lesson 7 - Myths that exist around sobering up.

Lesson 8 - The laws related to alcohol in Australia.

Lesson 9 - The agencies that exist to enforce alcohol laws.

Lesson 10 - Acceptable and unacceptable IDs.

Lesson 11 - The steps to take when checking IDs and verifying age.

Lesson 12 - The correct procedures for verifying IDs.

Lesson 13 - When to stop service to intoxicated customers.

Lesson 14 - The techniques and practices for stopping service.

Lesson 15 - How to get your customer home safely and transport options.

Lesson 16 - Organisational policies and procedures relevant to the responsible service of alcohol.

By the end of your online RSA course, you will have a better understanding of Australian alcohol service regulations, be able to identify customers at different stages of intoxication and handle challenging situations such as checking IDs, slowing down or refusing service and asking customers to leave the premises.

These are all key components for serving alcohol responsibly, whether it’s in a bar, restaurant or retail environment. The RSA course is designed to provide practical, real-world knowledge that you can immediately apply in your role, enabling you to protect the safety and wellbeing of your patrons.

What kind of real-world scenarios will you face?

As an Alcohol Server, you are likely to encounter certain situations on a regular basis when serving customers. This includes dealing with intoxicated patrons and preventing underage drinking in your establishment. An online RSA course focuses on real-world applications, so you won’t just learn the theory behind responsible alcohol service—you’ll also explore practical strategies and solutions.

Imagine a busy Friday night at your bar. The crowd is energetic, the drinks are flowing and everything is going smoothly. But then, you notice one customer showing signs of intoxication. They are becoming loud and disruptive, yet they keep ordering more drinks. With RSA training under your belt, you will have the skills to confidently assess the situation, refuse service if necessary and do so in a way that reduces the risk of conflict.

Similarly, during a bustling evening shift at a restaurant, you may encounter a group of young patrons trying to purchase alcohol without the required identification. The RSA course prepares you for these scenarios by teaching you how to ask for ID, assess its authenticity and ensure you are serving responsibly.

Why choose an online RSA course?

Here are some of the key benefits of taking an online RSA course:

• Convenience: No need to travel—complete all requirements online.
• Flexibility: Study at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.
• Comprehensive course content: Covers all topics required by Australian alcohol service regulations.
• Accredited certification: Meets legal requirements across multiple states and territories.

Convenience and flexibility

An online RSA course offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility. As a hospitality professional, your schedule can be unpredictable, and it may be difficult to find the time to attend an in-person course. Food Safety First’s online RSA program allows you to complete the course at your own pace at a time that suits you.

Comprehensive course content

Online RSA course content is designed to be just as comprehensive as traditional, in-person learning. The interactive modules, multiple choice quizzes and case study scenarios ensure that you receive the same level of education as you would while attending face-to-face training.

Accredited RSA training

An accredited online RSA course ensures that the training you receive is recognised by the relevant regulatory bodies, meaning that you will meet all legal requirements and be prepared for any alcohol service scenario. Accredited courses are regularly updated to reflect current legislation, so you can be confident that the information you’re receiving is up-to-date and relevant.

Be aware that alcohol laws will vary depending on the state or territory in which you operate. Food Safety First provides an RSA training program that is recognised by regulators in the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

RSA Statement of Attainment

After successfully completing the RSA course online with Food Safety First, you will be issued a Statement of Attainment via email. This document confirms that you have completed the relevant unit of competency (SITHFAB021 - Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol) and carries significant importance for both you and your employer:

• Legal compliance: Ensures you’re adhering to the relevant state or territory laws and regulations regarding alcohol service.
• Improved safety: Equips you with the knowledge to manage alcohol-related situations effectively, ensuring a safer environment for customers and staff.
• Professional development: Demonstrates your commitment to responsible service and continuous learning in your field.
• Enhanced employability: Makes you a more attractive candidate to employers in the hospitality industry.

It’s important to keep this Statement of Attainment safe and accessible, as it may be requested by regulators during compliance checks.

Ready to learn?

If you’re looking to advance your skills and become more confident in handling alcohol service scenarios, enrolling in an online RSA course is your best next step. With flexible learning options, accredited course content and practical, real-world applications, Food Safety First’s RSA course equips you with everything you need to serve alcohol responsibly and confidently.

Take control of your career—enrol in Food Safety First’s RSA Course online today for accredited, flexible training. Whether you’re a bartender, server or retail professional, this training will give you the tools to meet your legal obligations and handle difficult situations with ease, ensuring the safety of your patrons and your workplace.

Got a question? Contact us to discover all the benefits this course has to offer.