We have recently assisted a number of licensees who have come to the adverse attention of the authorities – OLGR or Police – for failing in their liquor compliance. In many of the cases we have encountered the problems could have been avoided with better training at management level.
It’s possibly been an unfortunate step taken by Government to remove the requirement for RMLV training for so-called “low-risk premises”. Restaurants and cafes fall into the low-risk category, yet they are often the entry point to the liquor industry for new business people. It’s arguable that management training in liquor compliance would be of greater rather than lesser importance for these businesses.
The good news is that whether or not the course is a statutory requirement, it is conveniently available to anyone, including via a streamed on-line course which has proved to be of great utility (particularly to licensees away from the major population centres).
Considering the significant fines which can be issued for non-compliance (for example almost $2500 for licensees who forget to pay their annual licence fee) the cost of training would be a sound investment for any licensee.
Also it should be borne in mind that RMLV is not a set and forget style of approval or qualification. It is in reality a course designed to inform the participant about every aspect of liquor compliance so that the business can move forward safely and without the risk of penalties. In other words, it should be the cornerstone of effective management of a liquor licensed business.
For more information, or to enrol in one of our courses, please visit RMLV.com.au or call our office on 07 3252 4066.
