Young Adults' Experience of Responsible Service Practice in NSW

Abstract

Findings from a recent NSW survey of 18 to 39 year olds who report drinking at at-risk levels for acute alcohol-related harm are presented. It was found that over half of those who consume alcohol in this age group reported that their last location of at-risk drinking occurred at a licensed premises. Of these, over half reported showing at least one sign of intoxication, while almost one in five reported showing at least three signs of intoxication. Only 10 per cent of those reporting signs of intoxication also reported that they had experienced responsible service initiatives from licensed premises staff, while over half of these 'intoxicated' patrons reported that they were continued to be served alcohol. Of particular concern was the finding that as the number of signs of intoxication increased, so did the likelihood of continued alcohol service. While these results suggest that intoxicated patrons are not being refused service as often as they should, there was evidence for some degree of responsible service provision with around half of the 'non-intoxicated' patrons reporting that they had seen licensed premises staff intervene with other 'intoxicated' patrons.