What is a bartending certificate?
The most important certification for anyone serving alcohol is the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. This certificate is mandatory for all bartenders and is required by law across every state and territory. The RSA ensures that bartenders understand the legal responsibilities that come with serving alcohol and that they can handle various scenarios, like dealing with intoxicated patrons or managing alcohol-related risks.
The RSA certification covers topics such as:
- Spotting intoxicated patrons: Bartenders need to be able to recognise when someone has had too much to drink and be able to handle the situation professionally and safely.
- Refusing service: Knowing how to refuse service politely yet effectively is an essential skill for bartenders, especially in high-pressure situations.
- Managing alcohol-related risks: Bartenders are trained to prevent situations that could lead to harm or injury, such as fights or serving too much alcohol to a patron.
- Understanding legal responsibilities: Each bartender must be aware of the legal obligations when serving alcohol, including fines and penalties for serving underage or intoxicated customers, for example.
Each state and territory in Australia has its own RSA requirements. Some states, such as New South Wales and Queensland, allow bartenders to complete their RSA training online, while others, like Victoria, require face-to-face training, for example. As an employer, you need to ensure that your bartenders have the correct RSA certification for the state in which they will be working.
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What is a bartending licence?
Bartending licences are usually issued by bartending schools on completion of a course, and these vary in length and commitment. In Australia, there is no universal requirement for a ‘bartending licence’, only for the RSA certificate. This serves a similar function by ensuring bartenders have the necessary skills and knowledge to serve alcohol responsibly and legally.
Some candidates choose to obtain advanced certifications or specialised training that will typically add value to your business. Some examples are:
- Mixology courses: These teach bartenders the art of crafting cocktails, experimenting with flavours and creating visually appealing drinks. This skill is particularly valuable in venues where cocktail service is a key part of the experience.
- Customer service training: While many bartenders learn customer service skills on the job, formal training can help improve communication, upselling techniques and overall service quality.
- Leadership and management courses: For bartenders striving to take on supervisory roles or manage teams, leadership training can be useful. These courses typically cover things like conflict resolution, team management and shift coordination.
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Why does RSA certification matter for employers?
As an employer in the hospitality industry, it’s important to understand that every bartender you employ is required to hold a valid RSA certificate for the state or territory where they work. By ensuring compliance with RSA regulations, you can avoid potential fines, penalties or even the risk of losing your liquor licence.
Beyond the legal requirements, RSA-certified bartenders are better equipped to handle challenging situations like dealing with intoxicated customers or preventing underage patrons from being served. This helps create a safer environment for both your customers and your staff and reduces the likelihood of incidents that could harm your business’s reputation.
Therefore, when hiring new bartenders, always ensure that RSA certification is a non-negotiable requirement. You may also want to include this in your job descriptions when you are ready to hire.
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What are the benefits of advanced bartending qualifications?
While the RSA certification is mandatory, hiring good employees with a combination of RSA certification and advanced bartending qualifications is a sound investment for any bar or restaurant. Benefits include:
- Elevating the customer experience: Bartenders who have undergone mixology training can create unique, sophisticated cocktails that can set your venue apart from your competitors. Customers are more likely to return for the experience of enjoying creative and well-crafted beverages. This, in turn, could also justify higher pricing on your beverage menu.
- Boosting sales through upselling techniques: Bartenders with additional qualifications can offer strategic recommendations and encourage customers to buy premium spirits, cocktails or complementary food items. This can increase the average order value for your business. So, if your bartenders are trained to understand customer preferences and present options enticingly, you can expect increased profitability.
- Running an efficient bar: Bartenders who have undergone additional training often have excellent multitasking abilities and can serve customers more quickly and handle peak periods effortlessly. This means shorter wait times for customers and a more seamless service experience during busy times, which can be crucial for keeping customers happy and retaining them as patrons.
- Reducing pressure on management: Bartenders with leadership or management training are better equipped to take on supervisory roles within your team. These employees can help manage shifts, coordinate staff and resolve any issues that may arise during service.
- Ensuring legal compliance: Bartenders with advanced training often have a more in-depth understanding of alcohol law compliance and responsible service practices. This additional knowledge reduces the risk of infractions or incidents and ensures that your establishment remains compliant with all relevant regulations.
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How to implement training for existing staff
If you already have a team of bartenders and want to enhance their skills, consider implementing an employee training program in your business.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Cocktail-making workshops: Work with a local mixologist to offer cocktail-making classes for your bartenders where they can experiment with new techniques and recipes.
- Customer service training: Offer refresher courses on customer service, upselling techniques and handling difficult situations.
- Leadership training: For senior bartenders or those interested in management roles, leadership training can help them develop the skills needed to take on more responsibility.
Investing in staff training can have a direct impact on your revenue as it will likely increase sales, improve customer satisfaction and reduce staff turnover. Additionally, providing ongoing training shows your team that you value their contributions and are committed to helping them grow professionally.
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