Sampling Alcohol at Your Stand? Be Ready to Sample in 3 Steps
Step 1: Get your City of Sydney permit
Exhibitors fall under ICC Sydney’s liquor licence, so you don’t need your own. Although, you do still require a temporary food stall permit (TFP) with the City of Sydney.
- Apply for a Temporary Food Stall Permit (TFP) with the City of Sydney.
- Permits from other councils will be rejected.
- Already hold a TFP number? Skip this step, as it’s an ongoing permit.
Step 2: Make sure your staff have their RSA
All staff serving alcohol samples must hold a valid Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate.
- NSW or international exhibitors: a NSW RSA Competency Card issued within the last 5 years, or a NSW RSA Interim Certificate issued within 90 days of the event.
- Interstate exhibitors: a valid RSA from your home state or territory, if you don’t live permanently in NSW.
Upload copies of your certificates with your Sampling – Alcohol form, and keep a copy at your stand. See Staff and RSA Certificates below for full details.
Step 3: Complete the Alcohol Sampling form · Due: 26th July 2027
Log in with the details from your welcome email and complete the Sampling – Alcohol form. Add your TFP number and upload your RSA certificates.
What Happens Next:
We use your form to apply to ICC Sydney for your sampling permit on your behalf. The venue will send you a signed permit and may ask for your TFP number. Invoices from the venue or other authorities use the contact details on your form.
*Late forms may prevent you from sampling.*
Also sampling food or non-alcoholic drinks? Read Non-Alcoholic Food & Beverage Sampling and Food Safety & Stand Hygiene.
Sample Sizes
Venue Charges
- Spills and waste: You’re responsible for any extra cleaning charges from spills or waste removal.
Staff and RSA Certificates
Only RSA-accredited staff can serve alcohol. If the only accredited person leaves the stand or goes on a break, alcohol service must stop. The certificate you need depends on where your RSA was issued. Use the chart below to find the requirements that apply to you.
NSW Exhibitors
- Staff must hold a NSW RSA Competency Card (valid and in date) or a NSW RSA Interim Certificate (valid for 90 days). More information: NSW competency cards.
- Upload copies when you submit the Sampling – Alcohol form, and bring a copy to the stand.
- Your digital competency card is available through the Service NSW app.
- Card expiring? If you completed NSW RSA training in the last 5 years, do the RSA Refresher course before the card expires. It takes 60 to 90 minutes online. If your training was longer ago, you need a full course.
Interstate Exhibitors
Using Your Home-State RSA
You can work temporarily in NSW if you:
- Don’t live permanently in NSW
- Hold an approved RSA from another Australian state or territory
- Can show your certificate when asked
- Understand your obligations under NSW liquor laws.
Your certificate must be recent:
- QLD, WA, SA, TAS: a national RSA Statement of Attainment issued within the last 5 years.
- VIC, ACT, NT: a national RSA Statement of Attainment or RSA refresher certificate issued within the last 3 years.
Converting Your Interstate RSA to NSW
Converting Your Interstate RSA to NSW:
If you live permanently in NSW, or work in security or as an RSA marshal, you must complete the NSW RSA bridging course and hold a NSW competency card.
International Exhibitor
- You need a NSW RSA to serve alcohol samples. Complete an RSA course through a Liquor & Gaming NSW Approved Training Provider, online or in class.
- When you pass, you receive an interim certificate, valid for 90 days. It allows you to work immediately.
- Ask your chosen provider whether any extra enrolment steps apply to overseas students.
No Qualified Staff?
Hire venue staff through ICC Sydney Exhibitor Services. Contact details are on the Contacts page.
On Show Days: Stand Requirements
- Display the current Under 18s sign. Print it from the Liquor & Gaming NSW signage page, and display it where visitors can see it.
- Keep an incident register. Buy a Liquor & Gaming NSW register for $20, or keep your own with the same content. More information: Liquor incident registers.
What Else does Your Stand Require?
Need Help?
Contact:
- Liquor & Gaming NSW: 1300 024 720, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
- Exhibitor Services: [email protected]