Alcohol server training is a form of occupational education typically provided to servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking. Usually underwritten by employers in the hospitality, food-service and related industries, this training is regulated and mandated by state and local laws predominantly in North America, and increasingly in other English-speaking countries such as Australia. In North America the primary purpose of this employee-training is to mitigate liability during a lawsuit involving intoxication by providing evidence of intent on the part of the establishment that serves and sells alcoholic beverages - a "reasonable efforts defense."
Secondarily, this training is considered effective in reducing incidences of over serving patrons to the point of intoxication, and in preventing sales to minors. For the establishment paying for this training, the most immediate tangible benefit is a reduction in liquor liability insurance premiums paid by all organizations serving or selling alcoholic beverages. Another benefit is regulatory compliance. Increasingly in the United States (for example, in the States of Tennessee, Texas and Louisiana), licenses or permits to serve or sell alcoholic beverages are contingent on obtaining this form of training for employees.
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In the United States, this training is taught by a wide range of educational providers, from individuals to the state. The cost, quality and content of training varies widely from program to program, and from state to state. The term "alcohol server training", as a consequence, is often an umbrella attached to the overall intent of the training, if nothing else. This training usually carries some testing and certification, related to local state regulations, but few programs are provided nationally to any standard. Some states allow online testing for certification but others, like Louisiana require attendance at a class with a live trainer.[1]
In Australia, this training is called Responsible service of alcohol or RSA training. It is mandatory throughout the country for all people serving alcohol including bar staff, sommeliers, waiting staff (in licensed premises), airline staff, people serving at catered events and so on.
Its primary purpose is harm minimization as set out in a National alcohol strategy by the Federal Government. Under this strategy, each State Government is responsible for putting legislation and strategies in place to minimize the harm alcohol causes to various vulnerable groups in society including Minors. One of the ways State governments are enabling this national strategy is through mandatory staff training.
This training is based on a national unit of competency called Provide responsible service of alcohol (SlTHFABOO9A) and forms part of a broader hospitality training package recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework or AQF. Only a Registered Training Organisation is allowed to deliver this training. While this national training standard exists, each State also has their own liquor licensing body and in some cases, they have specific training requirements, such as in Queensland where all training courses must be OLGR approved.
The type of training delivery allowed also varies between States, with States such as Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, accepting online delivery of the National RSA training, while Victoria and NSW do not currently recognise online as a valid delivery channel for this type of training. Debate continues as to the benefits of online training versus classroom training, with advocates claiming it delivers benefits such as more consistent and provides better access to rural learners to deliver the training online, while opponents argue that classroom training delivers better learning outcomes.
Regardless of the delivery channel, RSA training is generally founded on the concept of Duty of care and requires managers and staff to take all reasonable precautions to protect patrons and staff by preventing patrons from becoming disorderly and/or suffering alcohol intoxication. Other topics covered include blood alcohol content, the effects of alcohol on human health, a standard drink, how to serve responsibly and how to refuse service.