Top 5 Liquor Compliance Tips

Compliance Tips January
Compliance Tips January

Top 5 Liquor Compliance Tips for Operating a Licensed Venue

Operating a liquor-licensed venue is a significant responsibility that goes beyond serving drinks. Compliance with liquor laws is essential for ensuring the safety of your patrons, protecting your business from fines or penalties, and therefore this will maintain a positive reputation within the community. Here are the top five tips to help you operate your venue responsibly and in line with legal requirements.

1. Train Your Staff Thoroughly

One of the most effective ways to maintain compliance is by ensuring that all staff members complete their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. This training equips employees with the skills and knowledge to serve alcohol responsibly, recognise signs of intoxication, and understand the legal obligations associated with liquor service. Regular refresher courses are equally important to ensure staff stay updated on current regulations and industry best practices. A well-trained team is your first line of defence in preventing non-compliance issues.

It is recommended that you have RSA trained staff complete a short refresher course every three years to keep them to date with changes to liquor legislation.

2. Monitor Intoxication Levels Carefully

It’s your legal obligation to ensure patrons do not become intoxicated while on your premises. Monitoring intoxication levels is crucial for preventing alcohol-related harm and staying compliant with the law. For instance, training staff to identify early signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, impaired coordination, or inappropriate behaviour, and to intervene proactively. If a patron appears to be intoxicated, your staff must refuse them further service politely and firmly. Failing to manage intoxicated patrons effectively can lead to fines, legal repercussions, or even licence suspension.

3. Check Identification Diligently

Serving alcohol to underage individuals is a serious offence with severe penalties. To avoid this, staff should check the identification of any patron who appears to be under 25 years old. Using tools such as ID scanners can help verify the authenticity of IDs and reduce the risk of serving minors. Always ensure that staff know which forms of ID are acceptable under local regulations and how to spot fake or altered identification. Establishing a strong culture of ID checks demonstrates your commitment to compliance and safety.

Digital photo IDs are now common ensuring your staff are confident in how to check and verify digital IDs. It is essential in minimising the risk of minors being supplied with alcohol.

4. Maintain Accurate and Up-To-Date Records

Record-keeping is an integral part of liquor compliance. Ensure your incident register is regularly updated with details of any significant occurrences, such as refusals of service or removal of patrons for intoxication. Keep a log of staff training records, including RSA certifications, and make sure these are readily accessible for inspections. Accurate records not only help demonstrate your commitment to compliance but also serve as a valuable resource for protecting your venue in case of disputes or audits.

5. Adhere to Local Restrictions and Licence Conditions

Each licensed venue operates under specific conditions some set due to local council rules and those that maybe specific for your licenced premises or standard according to your licence conditions. Familiarise yourself with these conditions, which may include restrictions on trading hours, drink limits, or noise control requirements. Non-compliance with these conditions can result in penalties or even the suspension of your liquor licence. Stay informed about changes to local laws and implement clear policies to ensure your venue remains vigilant and compliant with conditions of licence.

In conclusion, compliance is not just a legal obligation—it’s the foundation of running a successful and reputable liquor-licensed venue. By investing in staff training, monitoring patron behaviour, checking IDs, maintaining records, and adhering to local laws. You can create a safe, enjoyable environment for your patrons while protecting your business. These proactive measures ensure you stay on the right side of the law, safeguard your licence, and contribute positively to your community.

Zealifi, is your trusted liquor compliance partner and can assist with completing on-site liquor compliance audits, RSA training and RSA refresher training contact us for further information | hello@zealifi.com.au or 1300 122 287.

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