Edition 55, April 2008

ACT to introduce mandatory responsible service of alcohol training

The Australian Captial Territory (ACT) Government has announced its intention to introduce mandatory responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training for liquor licensees and bar staff. The government will also consider extending the mandatory training requirement to all staff involved in the service of alcohol, including security guards, floor hostesses, room service staff and bottle shop staff.

The RSA reform is part of a range of initiatives designed to address inappropriate social behaviour. Other initiatives include recent amendments to the Crimes Act 1900 to allow criminal infringement notices to be issued for offences such as defacement of premises, noise abatement directions and consumption of liquor in prescribed public places.

The ACT Government is also undertaking a review of the Liquor Act 1975 to determine whether the current law was adequate in satisfying community expectations about the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol. The review will examine a range of issues, including:

  • the merits of extending on-the-spot fines to liquor licensees for serving alcohol to intoxicated people
  • lockouts or curfews to prevent patrons entering licensed premises after a certain time
  • prescribed alcohol free areas at family events
  • the development of a code of conduct for the liquor and licensed hospitality industry
  • the merits of increasing the level of penalties currently applying to offences under the Liquor Act.

A Discussion Paper on the review of the Liquor Act 1975 was recently released by the Attorney General, Mr Simon Corbell for public consultation until 30 June 2008. Copies of the Discussion Paper can be obtained from the Office of Regulatory Services at 255 Canberra Avenue Fyshwick.

Further information on lodging a submission on the Liquor Act Review can be found at www.act.gov.au

Further information on the ACT Office of Regulatory Services can be found at www.ors.act.gov.au

This page was generated on 11 January, 2010

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