SITHFAB002: The Sale And Supply Of Alcohol Is Permitted In Or From Licensed Premises: Provide Responsible Service Of Alcohol Assignment, VU, Australia

Introduction

Provide responsible service of alcohol (RSA)

The sale and supply of alcohol is permitted in or from licensed premises that the Director of Liquor Licensing has approved.

Each licensed premise has a designated license that determines trading hours, consumption of alcohol, and the conditions for service of alcohol. Each license is different and a licensee and employees in that licensed premise must ensure that they are fully aware of the aspects of the license. The licenses that exist are:

1. HoteL

2.  Nightclub

3.  Liquor store

4. Small Bar Restaurant

5.  Special facility

6.  Club or Club Restricted

7. Occasional

8.  Liquor Wholesaler

9. Liquor Producer

It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure that policies and procedures are to monitor the service of alcohol. However, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the standards of the licensed premise are met along with the requirements from the Liquor Control Act 1988 along with any special conditions that may have been approved.

The responsible serving of alcohol will assist licensees to provide a venue for guests, employees, neighbors, and the community that has an inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, good service, and a safe environment.

This guidebook has been developed to assist you to gain a solid understanding of your rights and responsibilities when serving alcohol. However, the law often changes so it is a good idea when referring to this book in the future to make you aware of any changes to the law or penalties as they are applied.

Alcohol Facts

Alcohol

The intoxicating ingredient of alcohol is ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol or pure alcohol. This ingredient is common in all alcoholic drinks and occurs in different concentrations.

Standard drink

A standard drink contains approximately 10 grams of pure alcohol. A standard drink must not be confused with a standard glass size. The standard service (10 grams) is:

1. 30 mls spirit

2. 60 mls port

3.  100 mls wine, still or sparkling

4.  285 mls of full-strength beer

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Blood alcohol concentration is the amount of alcohol measured in the bloodstream for every 100mls of blood. If a BAC reading, for example, is 0.03 then there would be 0.3 grams of alcohol in every 100mls of blood.

Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach walls and intestine as a person drinks. The liver is the main organ that removed the alcohol. A healthy liver will remove approximately one standard drink per hour.

BAC threshold

The threshold is a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05 in all states and territories for drivers on their full license. Learner, provisional, probationary and special license holders are required to have a zero BAC when driving.

Penalties for breaching these laws are severe.

Penalties

Depending on the alcohol level, the potential to cause harm and any previous offenses, you may receive these penalties.

1. A fine

2.  Demerit points

3.  Cancellation of a driver’s license

4.  Prison

The risk

As your BAC level increases so do your risk of being involved in a crash. 0.05, double the risk 0.08, seven times the risk 0.15, 25 times the risk.

The effects of alcohol abuse:

Accidents

The risks from the road, boating, cycling accidents, falls, fires, drowning, sports injuries, suffocation, assault, overdose, and work-related accidents are all increased by the consumption of alcohol.

For men, about one-third of motor vehicle deaths and one-quarter of motor vehicle injuries involve the consumption of alcohol; for women, 11 percent in each case.

Family

Alcohol is a major factor in many family problems including family breakdown, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect.

Legal

Drink driving may lead to fines, loss of license, and even imprisonment. Alcohol is significantly associated with crime and is involved in about half of all violent crimes.

Work

Excessive alcohol use causes illness resulting in absenteeism, poor work performance, premature retirement and accidents at work.

Absenteeism alone is estimated to cost Australians $1.2 billion per year. Excessive intake of alcohol can also place customers and staff at risk of assault, abuse, or injury and the premises at risk of being damaged (either by accident, criminal damage, or vandalism).

Economic

When taking into account factors such as crime, violence, treatment costs, loss of productivity, and death, alcohol cost the Australian community approximately $15.3 billion in 2004-05.

Sexual

Alcohol may reduce a person’s ability to perform sexually, leading to emotional and family difficulties.

Appearance

Alcohol can affect the condition of skin and hair, and the high-calorie content of alcoholic drinks can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Local neighborhood and community

Noise, litter, offensive behavior, crime, assault, vandalism, aggression, and road safety issues are just some of the many concerns faced by the community. The risk of these events occurring is increased when alcohol is consumed.