The NSW Government is investigating options for the inclusion of specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training for staff at licensed venues.
Key stakeholders and advocacy groups will be consulted over possible changes to the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training handbook, following the success of a recent update to reflect community concerns surrounding drink spiking.
The drink spiking updates provided additional information on the steps bar staff and security personnel must take after an allegation is made or an incident is witnessed.
The government recognises the vital role played by advocacy groups in raising awareness of safety issues in licensed venues and calling for expanded RSA training to reduce the risks of drink spiking, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Liquor & Gaming NSW has published the revised RSA training handbook, and it has been issued to Approved Training Providers, which now have until 30 September 2024 to update their own training materials with the drink spiking advice.
The updated handbook is available online here: NSW RSA Course Handbook
A further update is now being considered to include advice on sexual harassment and sexual violence, making it clear that everyone who works in a licensed premises has a role to play in eliminating these behaviours.
The revisions to the RSA training handbook come in addition to campaigns such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, which both aim to educate the community, create awareness about safer drinking behaviours and share tips to mitigate potential risks to personal safety.
Drink spiking is a crime in NSW and is classified as an assault.
Like other incidents of assault, enforcement is the responsibility of NSW Police.
Venues that have recurring issues with drink spiking will incur demerit points under the Incentives and Demerit Point System.
Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:
"Just as patrons expect a safe night out, hospitality and entertainment workers deserve a safe workplace.
"We all need to work together to ensure that our nighttime going out experiences are safe for patrons and workers.
"A culture that celebrates live performance, creativity and a diverse, vibrant nightlife is more likely to be a safe night-time economy.
"Our role is to ensure that an enjoyable night out does not come at the expense of safety.
"One of the key priorities in the NSW Government's new 24-Hour Economy Strategy is amenity and safety for night-time workers, which is why these training programs and handbooks are so important."
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
"The NSW Government is committed to working closely with venues and the broader hospitality industry to ensure safety, respect and inclusiveness are the highest priority for staff and patrons.
"That means taking a zero-tolerance approach to any sexual harassment or violence in our pubs and clubs, but this requires a collaborative and coordinated effort from everyone.
"We are making sure that any work we undertake on the Responsible Service of Alcohol training handbook undergoes targeted consultation with key stakeholders who have the expertise and interest in public health and safety.
"RSA training is mandatory for all bar staff and security guards at pubs, clubs and small bars across NSW which is why we are keen to investigate how best to equip them with the tools needed to prevent these sorts of behaviours.
"At the end of the day we want to ensure all patrons can enjoy their night out without an uninvited interruption."
