Red tape for RSA in ACT must be 'urgently reformed'

Licensed venues are facing a mounting tide of red tape and regulations, including the growing problem of interstate RSA qualifications not being recognised in the ACT.

AHA ACT General Manager Brad Watts said this "nonsense" restriction was having a major impact on hospitality businesses.

"A prime example occurred last weekend, when a licensed hotel hosted a major event and was assured by authorities that interstate staff RSA qualifications would be recognised.  However, it's understood licensing authorities changed their minds and the venue was forced to have qualified staff trained at the last minute," Watts said.

"Not recognising interstate RSA's simply doesn't make sense – the AHA ACT is calling on the ACT Government to fix the confusion and reform this red tape restriction immediately."

Watts said there were no common laws nationally for RSA, which is costly and inconvenient for employers.

The AHA ACT has raised this important issue with the ACT Government after recently being appointed to the Red Tape Reduction Panel – to identify regulations that impose unnecessary burdens, costs or disadvantages on business activity in the ACT.

In its recent submission to the ACT Government, the AHA ACT called for Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) requirements to be streamlined to recognise the variance of laws between states and territories.  "RSA bridging programs should be provided to save cost and labour expenses," the submission stated.

"The AHA ACT looks forward to working with the Government on red tape reforms in the licensed hospitality sector," Watts said.

Other areas of red tape concern for the industry – which is under intense pressures following an economic downturn in Canberra – include rewarding licensees for strong compliance to reduce liquor fees as well as health reforms where food safety red tape is proposed.