More than 40,000 hospitality workers across NSW have completed the updated Australian-first Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course in the seven months since prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault training was added, marking a major milestone to making licensed venues safer for staff and patrons.
The training, introduced by the NSW Government in June 2025, provides practical guidance on preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct at pubs, clubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues.
It teaches workers how to recognise warning signs, support patrons who may be at risk and respond appropriately to incidents.
In totally safe settings, staff undergo scenario-based learning in realistic situations they may encounter on the job, such as unwanted touching, inappropriate comments or suspected drink spiking. They are shown strategies to step in safely, whether that involves checking in with a patron, defusing a situation or escalating concerns to security or police.
The course also explains the law and principles of consent and coercion, giving workers the knowledge and tools needed to act appropriately and effectively.
Developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW with international experts Good Night Out, the training is designed to be practical and directly relevant to the challenges hospitality workers may face.
These reforms complement initiatives such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, reinforcing the Minns Labor Government's commitment to a safer and more inclusive night-time economy.
RSA certification is mandatory for anyone serving, supplying or selling alcohol in NSW. The updated training content is included in the full RSA course for workers obtaining their accreditation for the first time.
The RSA Refresher course, which all existing holders must complete every five years to maintain their accreditation, is in the process of being updated to ensure the entire workforce receives the prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault training.
