Before you decide to work in the hospitality industry at a licensed venue there are a few things you need to know.
If you want to work as a waitron or bartender in particular, you should understand that the perception is quite different from what the job actually entails. While it can often appear all glamour and fun, it is still a job and it’s not as simple as one would assume.
Any job where you’re dealing with different people every day, while it can be exciting, can also present a challenge, especially when these people are reaching the point of intoxication and you’ve got to cut them off, according to Responsible Service of alcohol legislation. Part of being a bartender or serving alcohol in a licensed venue is refusing alcohol service to anyone who is unduly intoxicated.
While the basic responsibility of a bartender is pouring and mixing drinks, there are a number of other responsibilities behind the scenes, like dealing with unexpected problems, keeping the bar stocked and keeping track of how much alcohol they are serving patrons so that they can deny service to unduly intoxicated patrons and underage minors. They also have to keep the bar clean and customers happy, all while maintaining a smile.
In addition to these ‘basic’ tasks bartenders also have to memorize dozens of drinks and know their ingredients to be able to produce them on request. Some bartenders even have to memorize the food menu. Good bartenders are knowledgeable and are able to make suggestions to customers on the best food and drink pairings.
It’s important for a bartender to be people orientated because ultimately the reason you’re there is the customer. Keeping customers happy or at the very least satisfied is crucial especially if you want get good tips.
You Need an RSA Certificate
If you can handle work in this dynamic industry, the rewards are numerous but you need to complete the RSA course first.
Serving alcohol in a way that maintains the good reputation of the establishment and aims to maintain the health and safety of the public is what the Responsible Service of Alcohol course aims to teach you.
Enforcing responsible service of alcohol legislation will not only benefit the community but will ensure you work in a pleasant and safe environment, rather than having to be exposed to alcohol fuelled violence and intoxicated patrons who are notoriously difficult, each day on the job.
Servers of alcohol who perform their tasks according to RSA regulations provide a duty of care to customers, promoting job satisfaction. These servers are generally happier and more productive.
This mandatory responsible service of alcohol training can be completed online, which means it’s not only affordable but extremely convenient.
Authorities will not accept any excuses for failure to enforce responsible service of alcohol legislation, including failure to produce your RSA certificate as proof of having completed the training. You as well as your employer face thousands of dollars in fines and suspension of liquor licenses for breaches of RSA legislation.
