Liquor Laws and Licensee Duties
The legal framework for serving alcohol in Australia, including the standard drink, the responsibilities of licensees and staff, and the fact that some rules vary by state and territory.
Standard drinks and the law
A standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol, though a single glass or can may hold more than one. It is an offence to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person, and both the venue and the server can be penalised.
Licensee responsibilities
Licensees must promote responsible service, prevent intoxication, refuse minors and intoxicated persons, and trade within their licence conditions and hours. These duties are shared by the staff who serve.
State and territory differences
Liquor licensing is administered by each state and territory, so some requirements and penalties vary. RSA is competency-based, so always follow the specific laws and licence conditions that apply where you work.