Here are some practical tips to help you deal with RSA, intoxicated patrons and ID checking over the holiday and summer season.
Tips on intoxication and RSA
Issue intoxication guidelines to all staff.
Ensure all required signage is prominently displayed.
Brief security and ensure they are appropriately tasked.
Have adequate security on hand, particularly at peak trading times.
Make sure all staff are up to date with responsible service of alcohol (RSA) requirements.
During busy trading times it may be helpful to have RSA hosts.
Check that the venue is operating within any prescribed patron capacity.
(Overcrowding is often a trigger for alcohol-related violence and abuse, and makes it more difficult to practice the responsible service of alcohol.)
Tips on ID checking and functions
Issue ID guidelines to all staff. (OLGR has just released the 2009 edition of the Australian iD Checking Guide.)
Check all ID presented by young people closely – you can display the Under 25 poster to assist with patron cooperation.
Ensure people (and other guests) booking functions at your venue are aware of the responsible drinking laws by giving them information about your minimum standards for patron behaviour, safety and comfort.
Tips on good RSA practices
Provide free food or ensure good quality food is available (particularly early in the night). Food helps slow down the effects of alcohol.
Make sure free drinking water is available all night (and promoted).
The warmer weather increases dehydration and, therefore, patrons can be more affected by alcohol.
Promote alternatives to full-strength alcohol, such as low-alcohol beer and wine, soft drinks, and coffee.
Introduce drink limits after 10pm or midnight, for example, no more than four (or two) drinks per person at one time.
This encourages more frequent visits to the bar and allows staff to assess if patrons are approaching intoxication.
Good practice of RSA also means holding responsible liquor promotions that will not lead to rapid intoxication. (See the Liquor promotion guidelines and the Intoxication guidelines.)
Tips on pre-closing
Have a cool down period before closing.
Turn the lighting up, turn the music down or off (or switch to Christmas carols) and stop serving alcohol 30 or 45 minutes prior to closing the venue and promote water.
Ask people to leave quietly and be considerate of neighbours.
Ensure safe transport options are available (and promoted).
Last of all – enjoy the summer and holidays!
Issued by OLGR NSW December 10th 2009
http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/holiday%20tips%202009.asp
About Me
- Trojan Corporate
- Trojan Corporate PTY LTD is a corporate compliance consultancy business formed in 1999 by Justin McGurgan to provide specialist management and consulting services to hospitality leisure industry. Trojan has a team of professional consultants and trainers dedicated to the development of effective and profitable solutions to the hospitality, tourism and retail industry.The team has a committment to outstanding service to each and every client ensuring responsiveness, accessibility, involvement and accountability.The Trojan team members have a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer our many and varied clients.