At the end of 2018 Liquor and Gaming NSW introduced two new higher level training courses, which all licensees, approved managers and club secretaries of licensed venues in NSW will ultimately be required to take.
The regulator said that as well as enhancing liquor industry training standards across New South Wales, the new courses are designed to support operators of licensed premises in the state.
“The new Tiered Industry Training Framework builds on existing Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training and enhances the professionalism of the liquor industry,” the regulator said.
The two-tiered industry training courses will not only provide skills and knowledge for existing licensees and approved managers, but are also available for senior and frontline staff who are looking to further their careers in the hospitality industry.
The training includes:
- Licensee training – for most licensees, approved managers and club secretaries.
- Advanced Licensee training – an additional course for those who may operate a business in a higher risk environment, such as venues authorised to trade after midnight.
This training will be applicable across the state, as licensees and approved managers granted a new liquor licence from 1 September 2018 have until 1 April 2019 to complete the new training.
From 1 April 2019, new licence applicants will need to complete the training before making an application, and transfer applicants will need to complete the training before the confirmation of the licence transfer.
Existing licensees and approved managers who held a liquor licence prior to 1 September 2018, will need to complete the new licensee training from 1 April 2019 onwards, aligned to the renewal of their existing NSW competency card.
While this new training requirement will help improve venues, some operators may feel the added pressure of finding an approved training organisation with the right range of options to be able to complete the courses in a timely and convenient manner.
That is where TAFE NSW, as a recognised and trusted name and as a Registered Training Organisation with Liquor and Gaming NSW, can help.
TAFE NSW are education and training specialists who have industry expert trainers with recent commercial experience and they have both course levels available. With flexible online training options and face-to-face delivery available in every major region across the state, TAFE NSW is the perfect choice for busy licensees, managers and staff.
The first tier Licensee Course NSW is available now and covers the essential elements of liquor laws and regulations; the responsibilities that come with managing a NSW liquor licence and how to implement strategies that will improve your business operations as well as other topics.
The course is six hours in duration, including the assessment, costs $370 and is available to those who hold a current RSA certificate.
The second tier Advanced Licensee Course is coming soon and some of the topics include understanding your legal responsibilities as a higher risk environment licensee, analysing and minimising risks and successfully managing and operating a licensed business.
The Advanced Licensee course is six hours in duration, costs $370 and is open to those with a current RSA certificate who have completed the NSW Liquor License Course.
The new regulations are in place now and the time is fast approaching for operators to look at what training options they will take. TAFE NSW offers the opportunity to go beyond just liquor compliance and get ahead of the game in understanding all aspects of your business and licence.
For more information on how TAFE NSW can help you and your business contact TAFE Enterprise on 1300 045 737, or through the TAFE NSW website.