When you hear "RSA training," you might think of a certificate you need to tick off before your first shift. But ask someone who has built and runs two successful hospitality venues, and you'll hear a very different story. In Part 1 of our three-part interview series, Alessandro Stoccuto pulls back the curtain on what hospitality training actually equips you for in the real world.

Beyond the Certificate: Training as a Business Foundation

Alessandro Stoccuto isn't someone who sees hospitality training as a formality. As the licensee and owner of Bacco Restaurant in Shenton Park — a contemporary Italian destination that has earned a devoted following since opening in late 2023 — and the iconic John Street Cafe in Cottesloe, he has firsthand experience of how proper training translates directly into the success of a venue.

Running two very different hospitality operations — a fine dining Italian restaurant and a beloved beachside cafe — gives Alessandro a panoramic view of the industry. Both require staff who understand responsible service, food safety, and the legal obligations that come with holding a liquor licence. But more than that, both require a culture where training isn't treated as a one-off box-ticking exercise.

Why Venue Owners Take Training Seriously

For licensees and venue owners, the stakes around hospitality training are significant. Non-compliance with RSA obligations can result in substantial fines, licence suspensions, and reputational damage that takes years to rebuild. But Alessandro's perspective goes well beyond risk avoidance. He sees quality training as an investment in the guest experience, in staff retention, and in the kind of venue culture that attracts and keeps great people.

At Bacco, where an extensive Italian wine selection is central to the dining experience, staff confidence in responsible service of alcohol is inseparable from the quality of service guests receive. At John Street Cafe, where the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, that same training foundation ensures consistency and professionalism even in the most casual setting.

What This Means for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals

If you're starting out in hospitality — or looking to step up into management or licensee roles — this conversation with Alessandro makes one thing clear: the employers you want to work for take training seriously, and they notice when you do too. An RSA certificate from a reputable registered training organisation isn't just a piece of paper. It signals that you understand the responsibility that comes with the job.