Licensee training

As a licensee you need to complete:

• New entrant training - for all new licence applications except pre-retail and BYO permits
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training - for all new licence applications except pre-retail and BYO permits except pre-retail and BYO permits
• Advanced RSA training - only for late night (general) or late night (on-premises) licences.

Evidence you have completed the required training must be submitted with your application.

New entrant training

New entrant training ensures liquor licence applicants have adequate knowledge of liquor laws. When applying for a licence for the first time, you must complete new entrant training.

Go to the New entrant training(opens in a new window) page for more information about the training courses and requirements.

RSA training

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training is required for every licence application except for pre-retail and BYO permits. Additionally, licensees must maintain their RSA training by completing the RSA refresher course every three years if holding one of the following licence types:

• General
• On-premises
• Late night
• Packaged liquor.

In the case of a body corporate, the licensee must ensure the responsible person maintains their RSA training by completing the RSA refresher course every three years. A responsible person is a person who is or will be in management and control of the licensed premises, and who will run the business’ day-to-day operations.

RSA training training(opens in a new window) provides more information on how to get and maintain your RSA and outlines training requirements for staff working in licensed venues.

The list below identifies who needs to complete RSA training when applying for a licence. If applying as:

• individuals – all individuals listed
• partnerships – all partners
• companies, incorporated associations, co-operatives, or municipal councils (referred to as a body corporate applicant) – the person who is or will be in management and control of the licensed premises and who will run the business’ day-to-day operations.

Note: Body corporate applicants must advise the name of the person who manages or will manage the day-to-day operations of the business on the application form.

Exemption from RSA training

Licensees may be eligible for an extension of time to comply with RSA training requirements or to receive a permanent exemption. This applies to a licensee who holds one of the following licences:

• General
• On-premises
• Late night
• Packaged liquor.

To apply for an exemption, fill out and submit the Exemption from the Responsible Service of Alcohol Training Requirements form.

RSA certificates

If you are a licensee with RSA trained staff, you must keep a copy of their most recent RSA certificates on the licensed premises. Valid certificates cannot be more than three years old.

Photocopies or electronic copies of certificates are acceptable if they are readily available to our inspectors or Victoria Police. When asked, you need to provide the:

• name of the responsible person at the licensed premises
• name of each person who is engaged in the sale and service of liquor
• the date on which each person first sold or served liquor on the premises.

Advanced RSA training

Licensees and the responsible person of a late night (general) or a late night (on-premises) licence must complete the Advanced RSA training course within six months from the date the licence is granted.

The licensee and the responsible person of a general, on-premises or late night (general) or late night (on-premises) licensed premises which incurs a demerit point, must complete the Advanced RSA training course within six months of receiving the demerit point.

The Advanced RSA training course is provided online and in person by William Angliss Institute.