Monday Apr 20, 2026

The $37,500 Fine You Didn't See Coming: Hospitality Compliance and Staff Training for Cafes and Restaurants, with Brendan Power

Hospitality veteran Brendan Power joins Phil Di Bella to demystify the complex world of industry compliance. From food safety to the latest seafood labelling laws, they explore how training isn't just a regulatory box-ticking exercise, but a vital tool for staff retention and brand authority.

In this episode you will

  • Understand the essential food and liquor licences required before opening a hospitality venue.
  • Discover the difference between accredited courses and micro-credentials to better skill your team.
  • Learn about the upcoming July 2026 seafood labelling standards and how they affect your menu.
  • Identify the common compliance traps that lead to heavy fines for both owners and staff.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Secure a Food Licence First: Never attempt to open without a valid food licence; local councils can issue immediate fines or shut down operations.
  • Automate Monitoring: Use digital temperature probes that link to mobile devices to provide instant, auditable proof of food safety compliance to inspectors.
  • Mandatory Supervision: Ensure at least one certified Food Safety Supervisor (Level 2) is on duty at all times to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Universal RSA Requirements: Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training is mandatory for anyone serving alcohol, including staff in non-licensed venues handling BYO.
  • The RMLV Requirement: If the owner or licensee is not present on-site for the majority of the time, a Responsible Manager of a Licensed Venue (RMLV) must be appointed.
  • Seafood Transparency: Prepare for new country-of-origin labelling rules for seafood effective 1st July 2026 to ensure customer transparency.
  • Recruitment Strategy: Use accredited training as a "resume builder" to attract and retain high-quality talent in the competitive 18–24-year-old market.
  • Brand Authority: Displaying compliance certificates prominently helps build customer trust and signals that you take service standards seriously.

BEST QUOTES

  • (05:28) "There's no excuse from a compliance [standpoint]... ignorance is not an excuse."
  • (08:14) "Every time you add a level of complexity, you add a level of cost."
  • (13:17) "[Outcomes] give them confidence. And there's nothing better than having someone behind a counter [where] you can sense their confidence."
  • (18:11) "You're messing with people's lives. It's not as though you're going to get a negative tick on Google."
  • (25:36) "The forward-facing stuff is still humans. Especially in hospitality."
  • (27:35) "Where your awareness goes, your energy flows."
  • (29:17) "Training is a retention and attraction strategy."

ABOUT THE GUEST

Brendan Power is a third-generation publican and seasoned hospitality entrepreneur with over 50 years of industry experience. He is the founder of Clear to Work, a specialised training provider focusing on regulatory compliance, food safety, and vocational skills.

What you’ll learn from them today: How to navigate the ever-changing landscape of hospitality compliance to protect your business, avoid heavy fines, and empower your team through accessible online training.

Guest Links

  • Clear to Work: www.clear2work.com.au
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-power-mba-gaicd-a2816431/

BRANDS, TOOLS & RESOURCES

 

This episode is essential listening for cafe owners, restaurant managers, and hospitality investors who want to protect their business from regulatory risk while building a more professional, loyal team. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a newcomer to the industry, Brendan Power provides a clear roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern hospitality compliance. Stream the full episode now on your favourite podcast platform.

Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

The Coffee Commune

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