NSW Govt investigates mandatory sexual harassment training for all licensed venues

The NSW State Government is currently looking into implementing specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training for staff at all licensed venues. The news follows on from recent allegations of this nature against both Merivale and Swillhouse, two of Sydney’s leading hospitality groups. Prior to any changes to the Responsible Service of Alcohol training handbook, the Government will consult key stakeholders and advocacy groups around how the changes should look.

“Just as patrons expect a safe night out, hospitality and entertainment workers deserve a safe workplace,” said John Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy.

“One of the key priorities in the NSW Government’s new 24-Hour Economy Strategy is amenity and safety for night-time workers, which is why these training programs and handbooks are so important… We all need to work together to ensure that our nighttime going out experiences are safe for patrons and workers.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris says that the investigation is reflective of the NSW Government’s “zero-tolerance approach to any sexual harassment or violence in our pubs and clubs.

“The NSW Government is committed to working closely with venues and the broader hospitality industry to ensure safety, respect and inclusiveness are the highest priority for staff and patrons,” he added.

The NSW Government’s current investigation follows on from a recent successful update to its RSA training handbook concerning the issue of drink spiking in venues. Liquor & Gaming NSW’s revised RSA training handbook, available online here, has been issued to all Approved Training Providers, who will be required to update their own training materials by 30 September. Venues that have recurring issues with drink spiking will incur demerit points under the Incentives and Demerit Point System.

David Harris said, “RSA training is mandatory for all bar staff and security guards at pubs, clubs and small bars across NSW which is why we are keen to investigate how best to equip them with the tools needed to prevent these sorts of behaviours.”

John Graham added, “We all need to work together to ensure that our nighttime going out experiences are safe for patrons and workers… Our role is to ensure that an enjoyable night out does not come at the expense of safety.”

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