Responsible Service of Alcohol

Topic 1. Introduction to RSA

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1.3 The role of key agencies

Who ensures RSA compliance in NSW?

It is the role of the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing and NSW Police to ensure that licensed premises implement and manage responsible service of alcohol.

Find out about the role of the regulatory and enforcement agencies.

Logo: NSW Government Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing

The key regulatory and enforcement agencies involved with licensing laws and RSA include:

NSW Trade and Investment

NSW Trade and Investment drives sustainable economic growth in NSW. The Department works with and supports the vast range of businesses and industries across NSW to advance investment, innovation, activity and improvements across all industry sectors.

The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, a division of NSW Trade and Investment, has responsibility for liquor regulation in NSW.

Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR)

The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) is responsible for the development, implementation and integrity of the overall regulatory framework across alcohol, licensed clubs, charitable fundraising and gambling activities in NSW. Its role includes:

  • providing strategic policy advice to Government on liquor policy issues

  • industry education and enforcement

  • collaboration with the NSW Police on harm minimisation and compliance strategies

  • coordination and promotion of liquor accords

  • coordination of licensing, compliance and enforcement functions

  • maintaining a website that gives information, direction and advice on all matters relating to alcohol, licensed clubs, charitable fundraising and gambling

  • regulating industry RSA and Responsible Conduct of Gambling training requirements.

Peter Freeman

Peter Freeman

Peter Freeman, from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, explains what happens if the Office is called to a venue to investigate a complaint made.

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Typically if a licensed premises is subject to a complaint by the Office, the first point of call will be an officer, will attend the premises, and in fact the bar staff might be the first person that they meet. As a normal course we would engage the licensee and we would ask for certain records. We would also very often speak to staff on duty at the time and test their knowledge and understanding, or enquire as to the circumstances of an event. The officers are inspectors under the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority Act, and they have powers to enter premises, they have powers to demand records, and they have powers to require persons to answer questions.

It's most important that bar staff and persons working within the venue understand that to save any confusion, because very often they become anxious, and certainly don't know, but the inspectors are trained in dealing with and communicating with staff, and most of the time you will find it a painless exercise, and it's all about the resolution of the issue in accordance with community expectations.

Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (the Authority)

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority is responsible for performing casino, liquor and gaming machine decision-making, including:

  • approving liquor licences and related authorisations

  • determining the impact of licensing proposals by considering associated community impact statements

  • determining disciplinary matters involving licensees and others.

The Director General, Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services

The Director General, Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services is the departmental head with statutory authority to initiate investigations, make disciplinary complaints and take prosecution action. This role can include:

  • directing licensees and staff to address problems in licensed premises and imposing conditions on licences

  • issuing guidelines relating to intoxication and alcohol promotions

  • imposing licence conditions

  • determining noise disturbance complaints

  • restricting or prohibiting the sale of undesirable alcohol products

  • approving liquor accords.

Compliance Officers (OLGR)

Compliance Officers support the Director General, Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services in investigating complaints, undertaking inspection programs and assisting in the compliance role.

NSW Police Force

The NSW Police Force have the principal enforcement role under the liquor laws for licensed premises. The police:

  • enforce the liquor laws

  • are an important member of liquor accords.

Other agencies

Other agencies that have harm minimisation roles within the liquor industry include:

  • NSW Department of Health which develops and implements drug and alcohol policies

  • NSW Roads and Maritime Services with drink drive education programs, driver licences and the NSW Photo Card.

Websites

Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing: www.olgr.nsw.gov.au

Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority: www.ilga.nsw.gov.au

NSW Department of Health: www.health.nsw.gov.au

NSW Roads and Maritime Services: www.rms.nsw.gov.au

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