back to school

I had been putting this off from the day I started work but I knew I would have to go "back to school" and sit my Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. It is a legal requirement in NSW that all persons who work behind a bar have to complete the course. I need to become the licensee for the hotel and needed the certificate before the licensing committee interview me next week.

Having sat the licensee courses in Scotland and England, I was not looking forward to more of the same. But it was worse. I booked my course just as the HSC exams are finishing and every school leaver wants a job in a bar. It was me and 59 eighteen year olds!!

The course was the same old stuff with a few notable exceptions. The trainer blamed Australia's drinking problem on the English (there was no alcohol in the country until Captain Cook arrived in 1788 and used rum as currency). I have been interested to observe the drink driving culture over here. Most of my "classmates" have just passed their driving tests and have to drive on P plates for a number of years. Amongst other restrictions, there is a no tolerance to drink driving. Most seem to accept this but would happily smoke a "bong" (if that is what you do with a bong) before driving to a night club.

I have been surprised at older people drinking and driving though. There are numerous "drive-thru" bottle shops and although illegal, most will provide a long neck bottle of beer, opened and in a paper bag that is then drunk whilst driving! I have been quite horrified at the number of work mates that will have a few beers after work and then drive home! Everyone can also tell you what a standard drink is, how many you can have before driving and how long the alcohol takes to leave your system!

The other main difference is that there is no Weights and Measures Act. Drinks can be served how you like them. Most spirits are 30ml but can be free poured, draught beer is served in Scooner glasses and wine by the glass is wherever the server decided to pour too.

So after 8 hours of being told how to do what i have been doing for a number of years, I sat the exam and walked out with the certificates. (The exam was open book and we could ask for help if needed). Reality is it was $80 for a piece of paper but when I become licensee next week, I feel my staff will need some UK style training...