Do I need an RSA to work in hospitality in NSW?
By CBD College · Reviewed by our training team · Updated 8 June 2026 · 3 min read
In NSW, you need a valid RSA if you sell, serve or supply alcohol — or could be asked to as part of your role. That covers bar staff, waiters, bottle-shop staff, baristas in licensed cafés, functions and events staff and supervisors and licensees. You generally need it before your first shift involving alcohol. If the venue also has gaming machines, you'll usually need RCG too.
Who needs an RSA
- Bar staff, waiters and floor staff in licensed venues
- Bottle shop and packaged-liquor staff
- Baristas and café staff where alcohol is served
- Functions, events and festival bar staff
- Supervisors, duty managers and licensees
When you need it
Employers in NSW generally require a valid RSA before you start a role that involves alcohol — so it's worth having before you apply. Because you can start working on your interim certificate, you can complete the course and be job-ready the same day.
Don't forget RCG
If the venue has gaming machines and your role takes you into the gaming area, you'll usually also need RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling). Pubs and clubs commonly ask for both, which is why they're often done together.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an RSA to work in a bottle shop?▾
Yes — selling packaged alcohol is supplying alcohol, so a valid RSA is required.
I'm a barista — do I need one?▾
If you might serve or supply alcohol in a licensed café or venue, yes. If you only ever make coffee and never handle alcohol, it may not be required — but many hospitality employers prefer staff to hold it.
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