RSA Course Tasmania (SITHFAB021) – Responsible Service of Alcohol

The RSA Course Tasmania at NSTA Tasmania™ (training delivered in partnership with NSTA™ RTO 32292) equips hospitality and venue staff across Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, the North West Coast and surrounding areas with the skills and knowledge to responsibly sell, serve, or supply alcohol in compliance with Tasmanian liquor laws.

About this Course

The SITHFAB021 – Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol unit is a nationally recognised competency describing the skills and
knowledge required to sell, serve, or supply alcohol responsibly. Beyond legal compliance, the RSA Course Tasmania fosters a culture of harm minimisation—helping staff recognise early signs of intoxication, manage alcohol-affected patrons, and contribute to safer venues and communities.

Where Responsible Practices Apply

Responsible practices must be undertaken wherever alcohol is sold, served, or supplied—including product tastings. This unit therefore applies across all licensed environments, and to personnel involved in the sale, service, promotional service, or supply of alcohol. The scope extends to security staff monitoring customer behaviour and to the licensee responsible for RSA management.

Elements & Performance Criteria

✔️ Follow the principles of responsible service of alcohol
   – Identify provisions of Tasmanian legislation, licensing requirements, and RSA principles.
   – Request and check proof of age where required.
   – Provide accurate information on alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
   – Recognise issues related to different customer groups, especially those at risk.

✔️ Assist customers to drink within appropriate limits
   – Apply knowledge of standard drinks and industry standards.
   – Encourage responsible consumption using a professional approach.
   – Identify early signs of possible intoxication and take action.
   – Offer food and non-alcoholic options as per house policy.
   – Refuse requests for irresponsible service and explain the reasons.

✔️ Assess intoxication & identify when service must be refused
   – Assess intoxication levels using appropriate methods.
   – Identify individual factors that affect responses to alcohol.
   – Recognise customers to whom service must be refused under Tasmanian law.

✔️ Refuse service appropriately & manage safety
   – Refuse alcohol service in a professional, lawful manner.
   – Provide assistance to customers when service is refused.
   – Manage difficult or non-compliant customers safely.
   – Use conflict resolution and communication skills to de-escalate.
   – Identify and respond to situations that pose safety risks for colleagues, customers, or property.

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Foundation Skills

✔️ Reading Skills – Interpret complex legal and regulatory documents, in-house policies, and proof-of-age IDs.
✔️ Oral Communication – Provide clear information to customers, and de-escalate conflict with intoxicated individuals.
✔️ Numeracy Skills – Measure and calculate standard drinks and determine proof of age from ID.
✔️ Teamwork Skills – Share customer information with colleagues to ensure RSA compliance.
✔️ Self-Management – Handle hostile or uncooperative customers professionally in line with procedures.

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Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

✔️ Interpret and apply Tasmanian liquor laws for RSA compliance.
✔️ Explain at least two organisational policies that support responsible service.
✔️ Identify three early indicators of intoxication and apply intervention strategies.
✔️ Demonstrate refusal of service for different intoxicated customer types (distressed, unfed, or under influence of drugs).
✔️ Apply conflict-resolution skills when removing a customer (both compliant and non-compliant cases).
✔️ Provide alternative support options such as non-alcoholic beverages, food, or transport assistance.

Knowledge Evidence

✔️ Public interest reasons for RSA, including reduction of alcohol-related harm.
✔️ Signs of intoxication and effective intervention strategies.
✔️ Customer groups to whom service must be refused (e.g., minors, intoxicated persons).
✔️ Impacts of excessive drinking on individuals, workplaces, and communities.
✔️ Legal drink-drive limits and Tasmanian-specific requirements.
✔️ Strategies for managing difficult customers without escalating conflict.
✔️ Principles of harm minimisation and community education campaigns.
✔️ Organisational policies for safe RSA practices, including signage, refusals, and reporting.
✔️ Offences and penalties for breaching RSA laws in Tasmania.
✔️ Communication methods for refusing service (calm, firm, non-aggressive).
✔️ Requirements for proof of age and reporting falsified documents.
✔️ Policies for remote alcohol sales and deliveries.
✔️ Importance of maintaining RSA certification currency as a hospitality professional.

Industry Relevance in Tasmania

The RSA Course Tasmania aligns with the needs of pubs, clubs, cafés, restaurants, events, cellar doors, packaged liquor outlets and
venues statewide. Graduates confidently check proof of age, manage intoxication risks, resolve difficult situations, and support a safe, compliant
service environment—skills valued by employers across Tasmania.

Frequently Asked Questions – RSA Course Tasmania