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.

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.

Licensee training has also been strengthened to reflect employer obligations under the federal Respect@Work laws, which require businesses to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including providing relevant education and training.

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said, “This is good for patrons and good for staff. We want to have the best venues possible, and this is part of the government’s reform program to do this.

“Safety is a critical part of a good night out. I’m pleased to see this training has had a strong uptake.

“As we revive the night-time economy, we have to make sure it's safe. Giving staff the skills to prevent sexual assault on premises is an important step forward in making people safer.”

Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said, "Empowering more than 40,000 hospitality workers in just seven months is a powerful step toward creating safer, more respectful spaces for everyone in NSW’s vibrant hospitality industry.

“SafeWork NSW is continuing to implement its four-year Respect at Work Strategy (2023-27).

“The Government has invested $127.7 million in the health and safety regulator over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Fifty-one inspectors are being recruited, including 20 psychosocial-focused inspectors. 

“The targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.

“SafeWork continues to be proactive, launching a compliance program in June which issued 16 improvement notices to 11 hospitality venues across NSW in relation to sexual harassment work health and safety (WHS) hazards. 

“In addition, last August SafeWork NSW held a Hospitality Industry Leaders Forum focused on the prevention of workplace sexual harassment.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said, “Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure when they are out and about enjoying themselves in a pub, club or restaurant.

“This milestone shows we are well on track to ensuring a more vibrant nightlife that is also safer for everyone.

“By embedding prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault into the RSA now and updating the Refresher course, we’re making sure the entire industry will have the skills to step in early, support patrons and deal with unacceptable behaviour.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “This is an important milestone, demonstrating that the NSW Government has been working hard to build a safer New South Wales for people by making sure our pubs, clubs and restaurants are safe spaces. 

“This training is crucial to ensure venue staff are able to identify, intervene early and respond to incidents of sexual assault on their premises.

“This is part of wider work that includes primary prevention, to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence in places where people live, learn, work, socialise and play.” 

AHA NSW Director Liquor and Policing John Green said, “AHA NSW is committed to ensuring our hotels are safe and welcoming places for both patrons and staff.

“Including more detailed information on preventing sexual harassment and assault in RSA and licensee training means licensees and staff from all hospitality settings receive these valuable tools.”

Fortune of War Hotel Licensee Steven Speed said, “This information gives my staff a greater understanding of their responsibilities in this area. We want them to know the ground rules and we want them to know how to deal with a complaint or incident when it happens.”

Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.