Host Responsibility Policies and Plans

The philosophy behind the Sale of Liquor Act is:   

• A Licence is required before liquor may be sold; and
• Licensees, managers and all staff in hospitality are encouraged, and in fact, required to take responsibility for their "guests".

The concept of "Host Responsibility" emerged from this.  The principles of Host Responsibility include:

• the promotion and availability of food and low alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages;
• serving alcohol with care and responsibility;
• responsible approaches to dealing with intoxicated and underage people; and
• information about safe transport options.

Host responsibility will also embrace:

• service or customer focus
• staff training
• product promotion
• liability/risk management

Developing a Host Responsibility Policy

Every Licensed establishment requires a Host Responsibility Policy.  Some examples of a Host Responsibility Policy are available below in both PDF and Word versions.  These examples contain the type of information that should be included.  The Word versions can be used as templates for your business.

 Example Host Responsibility Policy for a Bar - On Licence (PDF, 54 KB)
 Example Host Responsibility Policy for a Bar - On Licence (Word, 151 KB)
 Example Host Responsibility Policy for an Off Licence (PDF, 15 KB)
 Example Host Responsibility Policy for an Off Licence (Word, 14 KB)

Developing a Host Responsibility Plan

Along with a Policy, Licensed establishments now require a Plan as well.  Some examples of a Host Responsibility Plan are available below in both PDF and Word versions.  These examples contain the type of information that should be included.  The Word versions can be used as templates for your business.

 Host Responsibility Implementation Plan for an On Licence (PDF, 34 KB)
 Host Responsibility Implementation Plan for an On Licence (Word, 106 KB)
 Host Responsibility Implementation Plan for an Off Licence (PDF, 32 KB)
 Host Responsibility Implementation Plan for an Off Licence (Word, 93 KB)
 Host Responsibility Implementation Plan for a Club (PDF, 31 KB)
 Host Responsibility Implementation Plan for a Club (Word, 94 KB)