The NSW government is looking into making sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training for all bar staff at licensed venues compulsory.
The proposed changes to the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training will be mandatory for anyone who sells, serves or supplies alcohol, in a push to make it clear that all hospitality staff have a role to play in eliminating sexual harassment and sexual violence in licensed premises.
“Just as patrons expect a safe night out, hospitality and entertainment workers deserve a safe workplace,” NSW Minister for Music and Night-Time Economy John Graham said in a statement.
“We all need to work together to ensure that our nighttime going out experiences are safe for patrons and workers.”
The move comes following recent investigations by the Sydney Morning Herald and Good Food alleging one of Sydney’s leading hospitality groups, Swillhouse, was ousting female staff after they had reported sexual assaults and were discriminating against women.
Key stakeholders and advocacy groups will be consulted over the possible changes to the RSA training handbook, the state government 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,” Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said.
“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.”
The proposed changes will follow recent updates to the RSA handbook 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.
Liquor and Gaming has published the revised RSA training handbook, and has issued it to approved training providers, who now have until 30 September 2024 to update their own training materials with the new drink spiking advice.
The updated handbook is available online here: NSW RSA Course Handbook
“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.”
If you’re currently in distress, please head to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support.